Who Called from 0800 023 2635? A 2025 Guide to This Genuine DWP Number
Seeing a missed call from an unknown 0800 number can be stressful, especially when you’re managing a benefit claim. Your mind races: Is it a scam? Is it an urgent call about my payment?n The number 0800 023 2635 is the source of this exact confusion for thousands of people across the UK. Online forums are filled with conflicting stories, leaving you unsure whether to be worried or relieved.
Let’s clear this up immediately. This article provides the definitive 2025 answer. We will confirm who this number belongs to, the legitimate reasons they are calling you, and the exact, safe steps to verify the caller is who they say they are.
Key Takeaways
- The Short Answer: Yes,
0800 023 2635is a genuine, official outbound phone number used by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).- Why They Call: It is typically used for calls regarding Universal Credit (UC), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claims.
- The Risk: Scammers can “spoof” this number to look legitimate.
- The #1 Verification Tip: A real DWP agent can always prove their identity by posting a message to your Universal Credit online journal.
Is 0800 023 2635 a Genuine DWP Number?
The Official Answer: Yes, This is the DWP
Yes, 0800 023 2635 is a genuine phone number for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
This is an outbound number. This means the DWP uses it to make calls to you. You cannot typically call it back and speak to an agent.
Authoritative bodies like the UK’s government-backed MoneyHelper service and the charity Shelter England both confirm this. MoneyHelper guide to UC scams They state that the DWP now uses this number for outgoing calls instead of a “Withheld Number.”
Why the DWP Stopped Using “Withheld Number”
This was a deliberate change to improve transparency. For years, many claimants (rightfully) ignored calls from “Withheld Number,” assuming they were spam. The DWP adopted this identifiable 0800 number to improve contact rates and make it clear who was trying to reach them.
Why Is the DWP Calling Me in 2025? (5 Common Reasons)
If you’ve received a call from this number, it’s almost certainly related to a claim or payment. Here are the five most common reasons, as reported by claimants.
1. Your Universal Credit (UC) Claim
This is the most frequent reason for a call. A DWP case manager or agent might be calling to:
- Ask for more information for your application.
- Discuss a recent change of circumstances you reported.
- Verify your identity or payment details.
- Schedule a Jobcentre Plus appointment or a review.
2. Your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Claim or Review
If you’ve applied for PIP or are undergoing a review, the call from 0800 023 2635 could be about:
- A “reconsideration request” you’ve submitted.
- A DWP Decision Maker needing to clarify details from your form.
- Booking your PIP assessment.
3. A Work Capability Assessment (WCA)
This applies to both Universal Credit and “New Style” Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants. The call is often from the DWP or their assessment provider to schedule your WCA phone or video assessment.
4. The 2025 “Managed Migration” (Legacy Benefits)
This is a timely and critical reason for a call in 2025. The DWP is actively moving people from legacy benefits (like income-related ESA, Income Support, or Tax Credits) to Universal Credit. This process is called “Managed Migration.” A call from the DWP might be to discuss your “Migration Notice” and explain what you need to do to avoid a gap in your payments.
5. A General Compliance or Review Call
Sometimes, calls are for a standard, routine review. The DWP may conduct these checks to ensure your benefit payments are correct and that they have your most up-to-date information.
The Big Risk: How Scammers Can “Spoof” a Genuine Number
Here is where you must be cautious. Even though 0800 023 2635 is a real DWP number, scammers can “spoof” it.
What is “Number Spoofing”?
“Number spoofing” is when a scammer uses technology to make their call look like it’s coming from a legitimate number. Your phone’s caller ID will show “0800 023 2635” or “DWP,” but the person on the other end is a criminal.
Their goal is to gain your trust so you’ll give them personal details or money.
Red Flags: 4 Signs a Call Is a Scam
A genuine DWP agent will understand you need to be secure. A scammer will get frustrated. Look for these red flags:
- 🚩 They ask for financial details. A genuine DWP agent will never ask for your bank PIN, full passwords, or for you to transfer money.
- 🚩 They pressure you to act immediately. Scammers use fear. They’ll say, “Your benefits will be stopped today if you don’t…”
- 🚩 They offer a “grant” or “loan” for a fee. A common scam is offering a “Universal Credit Advance Payment” and asking for a “fee” or your login details to “help” you.
- 🚩 They cannot verify who they are. If they get defensive when you ask to verify them, it’s a major red flag.
How to 100% Verify a Call from the DWP: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you answer a call from this number and feel even slightly unsure, follow these steps.
Step 1: Stay Calm. Be Polite, but Cautious.
A genuine DWP agent will understand you need to be careful. It’s perfectly fine to say, “I’m happy to talk, but for my own security, I need to verify this call is real.”
Step 2: Ask for “The Journal Test” (For UC Claimants)
This is the single best way to verify a caller.
✅ Expert Tip: The ‘Journal’ Test
If you are on Universal Credit, this is the most reliable way to verify a genuine DWP agent.
Say this: “Thank you. For my security, could you please post a message to my online journal confirming you need to speak with me? I’ll hang up and wait for that message, then I can call the official UC helpline.”
A genuine agent can do this in seconds. A scammer will make an excuse or hang up.
Step 3: For Other Benefits (PIP/ESA), Ask for a Specific Fact
If you’re not on Universal Credit, you don’t have a journal. Instead, ask the caller to verify a piece of information that a scammer wouldn’t know, such as:
- “Can you please confirm the date I submitted my application?”
- “Can you tell me the last three digits of my National Insurance number?”
Never give them a detail (like your NI number) and ask them to “confirm” it. Make them provide the information to you.
Step 4: If in Doubt, Hang Up and Call an Official Number
This is the safest option. Tell the caller you will hang up and call the DWP back on an official, public helpline number (e.g., the Universal Credit helpline or the PIP enquiry line). A real agent will not object to this.
You can find all official numbers on the [External GOV.UK “Contact DWP” page.
What Should I Do If I Missed a Call from 0800 023 2635?
If you missed the call, do not worry.
1. Don’t Panic
If the call is important, they will call back or contact you another way. You will not be sanctioned or have your benefits stopped for missing one phone call.
2. Check Your Universal Credit Journal
This is the first place to look. A DWP agent will often leave a message in your online journal saying, “We tried to call you about…”
3. Check Your Voicemail and Recent Letters
They may have left a message with more information. A letter may also be on the way.
4. Should You Call the Number Back?
No. As an outbound number, calling 0800 023 2635 back will likely just give you an automated message saying they will try again. It is not a way to reach your case manager. Wait for them to contact you again.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
If you believe you spoke to a scammer and shared any personal information, act immediately.
Step 1: Report it to Action Fraud
Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. Reporting the scam helps them build a case and warn others.
Step 2: Report it to the DWP
Call your benefit’s official helpline. Tell them you received a fraudulent call so they can note it on your account and investigate.
Step 3: Contact Your Bank Immediately
If you shared any bank details (card number, login, passwords), call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card. Report the fraud and they will help secure your account.
Your Security Comes First
To summarize, 0800 023 2635 is the legitimate DWP phone number. They are likely calling about an important part of your claim, such as Universal Credit, PIP, or the 2025 “Managed Migration.”
Always remember that your personal security is more important than a missed call. A genuine DWP agent will always understand your need to be cautious and will have a way to prove their identity.
The best thing you can do today is add 0800 023 2635 to your phone’s contacts as “DWP (Official Call)” so you recognize it next time. And if you are ever unsure about your claim, contact a free, trusted body like Citizens Advice for impartial help.
FAQ
Is 0800 023 2635 a genuine call from DWP?
Yes, 0800 023 2635 is a genuine, official outbound phone number used by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK.
Will DWP call me from an 0800 number?
Yes. The DWP now uses 0800 023 2635 for many outbound calls, as well as other 0800 numbers. They largely stopped using “Withheld Number” to be more transparent.
What is the DWP 0800 023 2635 number for?
It is used by DWP staff to contact claimants about their benefit claims. This most commonly includes Universal Credit (UC), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), including calls about assessments or reviews.
Why would DWP be calling me?
They could be calling to verify your identity, ask for more evidence for a claim, discuss a change of circumstances, book an assessment (like a WCA or PIP assessment), or discuss your “Managed Migration” from legacy benefits to Universal Credit in 2025.
What happens if I miss a call from the DWP?
Do not panic. If the matter is important, they will try to call you again. They may also leave a message in your Universal Credit online journal or send you a letter in the post. You will not be sanctioned for missing a single call.
How do I know if a DWP call is genuine?
The best way is to ask the caller to verify their identity. If you are on Universal Credit, ask them to post a message to your online journal. If not, ask them to confirm a specific detail about your claim that only the DWP would know (like the date you applied). If you’re in doubt, hang up and call the DWP back on an official, public helpline number.
Can I call the DWP on 0800 023 2635?
No. This is an outbound number only. Calling it back will usually result in an automated message, not a connection to an agent or your case manager.
Do DWP send text messages?
Yes, the DWP does send text messages, often as reminders for appointments or to let you know they’ve sent a letter. These texts will never ask for personal or financial details. Be cautious of texts with links, as they can also be scams.
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