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Universal Credit

Asked by Kirsty BlackmanScottish National PartyDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 23 February 2026UIN 112134

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what (a) number and (b) proportion of Universal Credit claimants have income levels above the income tax personal allowance.

Answered by Sir Stephen Timms

The requested information is provided below.

a) In November 2025, 1.9 million people on UC had net earnings above £1047.50 (which is the £12,570 annual personal allowance divided by 12). This includes earnings from employment and self-employment.

b) This equates to 22% of all people on UC.

Notes:

Volume is rounded to the nearest 100,000

Percentage is rounded to the nearest 1%

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