diff --git a/src/djangooidc/oidc.py b/src/djangooidc/oidc.py
index a720006ed..6e6c209f0 100644
--- a/src/djangooidc/oidc.py
+++ b/src/djangooidc/oidc.py
@@ -250,6 +250,8 @@ class Client(oic.Client):
         # Define vtm/vtr information on the user dictionary so we can track this in one location.
         # If a user has this information, then they are bumped up in terms of verification level.
         if session.get("needs_step_up_auth") is True:
+            if "ial" in info_response_dict:
+                info_response_dict.pop("ial")
             info_response_dict["vtm"] = session.get("vtm", "")
             info_response_dict["vtr"] = session.get("vtr", "")
 
diff --git a/src/djangooidc/views.py b/src/djangooidc/views.py
index d94e173c2..bb2cebd38 100644
--- a/src/djangooidc/views.py
+++ b/src/djangooidc/views.py
@@ -165,7 +165,9 @@ def _requires_step_up_auth(userinfo) -> bool:
     """
     uuid = userinfo.get("sub", "")
     email = userinfo.get("email", "")
-    if not userinfo.get("vtm") or not userinfo.get("vtr"):
+    # This value is returned after successful auth
+    user_verified = userinfo.get("vot", "")
+    if not userinfo.get("vtm") or not userinfo.get("vtr") or not user_verified:
         # The acr of this attempt is not at the highest level
         # so check if the user needs the higher level
         return User.needs_identity_verification(email, uuid)