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Surge in Universal Credit Claimants: Foreign Nationals Impact

7/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In the UK, more than 75,000 temporary claimants are surprisingly accessing Universal Credit, despite usually being ineligible. The Department for Work and Pensions notes that foreign nationals typically need to live in the country for five years to qualify. By May 2025, 15-17% of claimants were born abroad, contributing to a staggering rise from 5.5 million to 7.9 million recipients.

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Story summary

In the UK, more than 75,000 temporary claimants are surprisingly accessing Universal Credit, despite usually being ineligible. The Department for Work and Pensions notes that foreign nationals typically need to live in the country for five years to qualify. By May 2025, 15-17% of claimants were born abroad, contributing to a staggering rise from 5.5 million to 7.9 million recipients.