Universal Credit Claims Get a Speedy Boost
Applying for Universal Credit just got quicker. From now on, claimants can use their existing Government Gateway account to verify their identity, fast-tracking their benefit claims.
Who Can Use Government Gateway?
This shortcut is open to anyone who’s used the Government Gateway in the past 12 months – for tasks like checking tax credits, submitting tax returns, or viewing their state pension. If you haven’t used Government Gateway recently, you can still confirm your ID via GOV.UK Verify.
Government Racing to Help Millions
Since March 16, 2020, over 1.4 million Universal Credit claims have flooded in. To cope, the government has redeployed 10,000 staff and is hiring 5,000 more to speed up the process. As part of these efforts, claimants can now submit their Government Gateway login details to push their claims along faster.
Extra Help for Claimants Amid COVID-19
The government has already rolled out emergency financial support, including:
- Bumping up the standard Universal Credit allowance
- Increasing the basic element of Working Tax Credit
- Pausing the Minimum Income Floor rule for self-employed workers
These moves aim to give urgent relief to people hit hard by the pandemic.
