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2d ago

DWP Reveals 1.26 Million Non-British Nationals on Universal Credit

The first-ever breakdown of immigration status highlights non-British nationals’ rising participation in Universal Credit, renewing pressure on ministers to tighten welfare eligibility.

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The number of people claiming universal credit has increased by around 1.1 million over the past year (Photo: REUTERS/ Susannah Ireland/File Photo)
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Overview

  • British and Irish nationals account for 6.6 million of 7.9 million Universal Credit claimants, while 1.26 million are non-British nationals.
  • The overall Universal Credit caseload rose from 6.8 million in June 2024 to 7.9 million in June 2025, intensifying concern over welfare spending.
  • EU nationals form the largest group of migrant claimants at 770,379, with 211,090 holding indefinite leave to remain and 118,749 classified as refugees.
  • Of the migrant claimants, 737,799 are unemployed and 510,970 are in work but rely on Universal Credit to supplement their incomes.
  • Conservative MPs and campaign groups have branded the proportion of migrant claimants unsustainable and urged tougher residency and eligibility criteria ahead of the autumn budget.