Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

1.9 Million Foreign Nationals Claim UK Benefits Amid Controversy

10/22/2025

38 3

Summary

Story summary

As of June 2025, nearly 1.9 million foreign nationals claim benefits in the United Kingdom.
Of these, 1.26 million are on Universal Credit, up from 883,000 in 2022.
From March 2022 to March 2025, the UK spent £24.79 billion on Universal Credit for non-UK/Irish households.
Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, commented that many foreign nationals are benefiting from the system, especially after policy changes under Boris Johnson.

1 of 1

Story summary

As of June 2025, nearly 1.9 million foreign nationals claim benefits in the United Kingdom.
Of these, 1.26 million are on Universal Credit, up from 883,000 in 2022.
From March 2022 to March 2025, the UK spent £24.79 billion on Universal Credit for non-UK/Irish households.
Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, commented that many foreign nationals are benefiting from the system, especially after policy changes under Boris Johnson.