People on Universal Credit (Great Britain)

Source: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), series People on Universal Credit, Great Britain. Quarterly bulletins on GOV.UK at 9:30am; the release to 14 May 2026 was published on 18 August 2026, the next (to 13 August 2026) is confirmed for 17 November 2026 and the following for 16 February 2027. Detailed monthly data are in Stat-Xplore, whose API needs a free key

What it measures

Universal Credit is the main working-age benefit, replacing six older benefits including income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Housing Benefit for working-age people and tax credits. The 'people on Universal Credit' count includes everyone who has started a claim and has no end date recorded, whether or not they received a payment that month, and counts both partners in a joint claim. DWP also counts households with an entitlement (7.2 million in May 2026). The figures cover Great Britain; Northern Ireland's Department for Communities publishes its own.

How to read it

Much of the recent rise reflects the move of people from older benefits rather than new need: DWP said Move to Universal Credit claimants made up 73.2% of the increase between May 2025 and May 2026. Being on Universal Credit does not mean being out of work: 3.1 million people (37.7%) were in employment in April 2026. The share in the 'no work requirements' group, 51%, has been rising. For total benefit spending, see benefit spending; for area figures, use Stat-Xplore.

Background

Universal Credit began on 29 April 2013 in a few areas and was gradually extended. DWP reported 8.4 million people on Universal Credit in May 2026, the highest on record, up from 7.7 million a year earlier. Between December 2023 and December 2025 the number rose by 2.0 million, of whom 1.6 million had moved from legacy benefits; Move to Universal Credit claimants peaked at 1.7 million in December 2025. New claims averaged 40,000 a week in May 2026, down from 52,000 a year earlier.

Other parts of the UK

Department for Communities Northern Ireland: Universal Credit statistics · DWP Stat-Xplore: Universal Credit by local authority and constituency · DWP: Universal Credit quarterly statistics to 14 May 2026

How many people are on Universal Credit?

DWP reported 8.4 million people on Universal Credit in Great Britain in May 2026, the highest on record, in statistics published on 18 August 2026. The next figures, to August 2026, are due on 17 November 2026.

How many Universal Credit claimants are in work?

In April 2026, 3.1 million people on Universal Credit were in employment (PAYE or self-employment), 37.7% of the total. A year earlier it was 3.2 million, or 41.9%. The employment figures refer to April 2026, a month behind the main count.

Why has the number of people on Universal Credit increased?

DWP attributes most of the recent increase to the managed move of people from older benefits such as tax credits and Employment and Support Allowance. Move to Universal Credit claimants made up 73.2% of the rise between May 2025 and May 2026.

How many households get Universal Credit?

There were 7.2 million households on Universal Credit in May 2026, of which 6.7 million (94%) received a payment. Households with children made up 44% of those with a payment.

Does the Universal Credit total include Northern Ireland?

No. DWP's figures cover England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland's Department for Communities publishes Universal Credit statistics for Northern Ireland separately.

Related questions

• How many people claim Universal Credit?
• How many people claim benefits in the UK?
• How much does the UK spend on benefits?
• What is Stat-Xplore and how do I use it?
• How many families were affected by the two-child limit?

More on this source: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) statistics and Stat-Xplore