Headline: Universal Credit Claims Rise by 63,000 as Welfare Caseload Grows
- Apr 14
- 1 min read
Why this matters: Rising claimant numbers increase pressure on public finances. Growth in health-related claims is a key driver of welfare spending.
Date: 14 April 2026
Tags: UK, Economy, Welfare
Summary:
Universal Credit claimants increased by 63,000 in one month to 8.40 million.
Around 25,000 new claimants are not required to seek work.
Many exempt claimants are assessed as unwell or caring for children.
Figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions for February.
Universal Credit payments increased from April 2026 for millions of claimants.
Standard allowance for single adults over 25 rose to £424.90 per month.
Health-related Universal Credit payments reduced for new claimants.
Rising disability claims, particularly mental health, driving welfare growth.
Over 40% of Personal Independence Payment claims linked to mental health conditions.
Spending on anxiety-related PIP claims rose to nearly £427 million annually.
Why this matters: Rising claimant numbers increase pressure on public finances. Growth in health-related claims is a key driver of welfare spending.
What’s next: Planned policy changes, including lifting the two-child cap, may increase claimant numbers further. Welfare reforms and spending controls are likely to continue.
Comments