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DWP Provides Up to £628 Monthly to Four Million People Without Work Requirements

Thursday, January 22, 2026 universalcredit welfare dwp mentalhealth benefits labour conservatives employment reform workrequirements

Recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that nearly 4.2 million people are currently receiving Universal Credit without any work requirements, a significant increase from the 2.7 million recorded when the Labour government took office in July 2024. This rise is largely attributed to a surge in mental health-related claims. The monthly standard allowance for a couple, both aged 25 or over, on Universal Credit is £628.