THE Government has confirmed a major change to Universal Credit this week.
Those on the benefit can no longer use payslips and P60s to verify their identity online.
Universal Credit is paid to those who are not currently in work or to top up the income of low earners.
But you have to verify your identity first before you can start receiving payments.
The Government requires this so it can link the right person to the claim and reduce the chances of identity fraud.
As of April 8, you can now only very your identity online with a passport, Self Assessment tax return or a credit reference.
You have to provide two out these three pieces of information to verify your identity online.
However, removing the two forms of ID is only a temporary measure, the Government said.
A spokesperson said: “This is a temporary measure introduced while we review the level of security these forms of ID provide.
“Before sharing any personal data with someone, we have a duty to establish their identity to a high degree of confidence.”
If you can’t verify your identity online, there are other ways to do it, including face-to-face appointments and biographical interviews.
If your appointment is face-to-face at a Jobcentre Plus, you have to take a valid ID and proof of address with you.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”How does work affect Universal Credit?” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6352829699112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]The full list of valid IDs and proof of addresses you can take can be found via www.gov.uk/jobcentre-plus-interview.
Included in the list of valid IDs is a passport, drivers licence, NHS identity card and armed forces or police identity card.
Included in the list of valid proof of addresses is a current council tax statement, council rent card or tenancy agreement or mortgage statement.
A biographical interview is usually held over the phone and involves a quick ID check.
The Sun asked HMRC to comment.
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D112064%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]UNIVERSAL CREDIT PAYMENTS RISE
The change to the online verification process comes as Universal Credit payments rose for millions this week.
The vast majority of benefits usually rise in line with inflation each year to keep up with the cost of living.
Universal Credit payments have risen by 1.7%, but of course how much yours will have increased by varies depending on your personal circumstances and which elements you receive.
This is how much payments have gone up by:
Standard allowance (per month)
- For those single and aged under 25, the standard allowance rose from £311.68 to £316.98
- For those single and aged 25 or over, the standard allowance rose from £393.45 to £400.14
- For joint claimants both under 25, the standard allowance rose from £489.23 to £497.55
- For joint claimants where one or both are 25 or over, the standard allowance rose from £617.60 to £628.10
Extra amounts for children
- For those with a first child born before April 6, 2017, the extra amount rose from £333.33 to £339
- For those with a child born on or after April 6, 2017 or second child and subsequent child, the extra amount rose from £287.92 to £292.81
- For those with a disabled child, the lower rate addition payment rose from £156.11 to £158.76 and the higher rate from £487.58 to £495.87.
Extra amounts for limited capability for work
- For those deemed to have limited capability for work, the extra amount rose from £156.11 to £158.76
- For those deemed to have limited capability for work or work-related activity, the extra amount rose from £416.19 to £423.27
Extra amounts for being a carer
Universal Credit claimants can get an additional amount if caring for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week.
The amount you get a month rose from £198.31 to £201.68
The work allowance rates also rose.
Increased work allowance
- The higher work allowance (no housing amount) for someone claiming Universal Credit with one or more dependent children or limited capability for work rose from £673 to £684
- The lower work allowance for someone claiming Universal Credit with one or more dependent children or limited capability for work rose from £404 to £411
It’s worth bearing in mind, despite Universal Credit payments having risen this week, the pay rise might not kick in for a while.
This is because Universal Credit is paid in arrears based on your last “assessment period”.
Those whose assessment periods started before April 7 will see their benefits rise in May.
However, anyone whose assessment period started after this date won’t get the increased 2025/26 rate until June.