DWP: up to £12.7bn of Universal Credit went unclaimed, averaging £4,700 per family

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published estimates of how many people entitled to income-related benefits actually claim them. The figures cover the financial year ending 2025.

How much money went unclaimed

According to the DWP, up to £12.7bn of available Universal Credit (or equivalent benefits) spending went unclaimed. For each entitled family that did not claim, this averages about £4,700 a year. This is the figure that has featured in media headlines.

The estimate excludes, among other things, amounts relating to non-private households and people on legacy benefits or tax credits who would not qualify for Universal Credit.

What share of eligible people claim

• 72% of eligible families received Universal Credit (or equivalent benefits). A year earlier the figure was 74%.
• Among families with children the rate was 81%, and among families without children 65%.
• 62% of eligible pensioner families received Pension Credit, which tops up low pensions. This was the same as a year earlier.

A DWP spokesperson, quoted by Polish Express, stressed that most eligible people do claim the support they are entitled to. The department also said it wants everyone to receive what they are due, and pointed to an information campaign on Pension Credit.

Polish Express also cites an analysis by Policy in Practice, which suggests the value of unclaimed benefits could reach a record of around £24bn in 2026. Universal Credit would make up the largest part, followed by Carer's Allowance, Pension Credit and Child Benefit. We have not checked this forecast against the original source.

What this means for you

The figures show that many eligible people do not apply. A low-income family in the UK, or one with high rent or caring responsibilities for a child or older relative, can check whether they are entitled to anything. Free online calculators such as Policy in Practice, Turn2us and entitledto let you enter your income, savings, housing costs and family situation without giving personal details.

Working-age people can usually claim Universal Credit if they have less than £16,000 in savings. The amount depends on factors such as household income, childcare costs and local rent rates.

Entitlement to benefits depends on individual circumstances, including immigration status and residence. A calculator cannot guarantee that support will be awarded, so if in doubt it is worth getting advice from free advice organisations.