Overview

• The Department for Work and Pensions released, for the first time, data showing that migrant Universal Credit claimants rose from 883,470 in 2022 to 1.26 million by June 2025.
• Official figures reveal that 737,799 foreign national recipients are unemployed while 510,970 are in work but rely on the benefit to top up their income.
• EU nationals constitute the largest segment of migrant claimants at 770,379, followed by 211,090 holders of indefinite leave to remain and 118,749 refugees.
• Under current rules only migrants with recourse to public funds linked to settled status, refugee status or humanitarian protection can access Universal Credit.
• MPs and campaigners have urged ministers to tighten eligibility by extending the wait for settled status from five to ten years and limiting benefit access for newcomers.