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Research release

Universal Credit, pension and PIP caseloads compiled in UK Benefits Snapshot 2026

Universal Credit, State Pension, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and PIP caseloads in one place.

Research release · Published 12 August 2026 · SupportFund

SupportFund has published a benefits snapshot compiling the DWP caseload data it holds for 2026 across Universal Credit, State Pension, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Personal Independence Payment.

The snapshot restates three points that are frequently misreported: caseload is not take-up, Universal Credit is not an out-of-work benefit, and around half of Universal Credit recipients have no work requirements.

Every record links back to the original DWP release and shows the extract date rather than the publication date.

Figures referenced

  • 8.3 million — 8.3 million people were on Universal Credit in Great Britain in February 2026.Department for Work and Pensions · February 2026
  • 3.1 million — 3.1 million people on Universal Credit were in employment in January 2026.Department for Work and Pensions · January 2026
  • 13.2 million — The State Pension caseload was 13.2 million, up 1.9% year on year.Department for Work and Pensions · August 2025
  • 1.4 million recipients — 1.4 million people received Pension Credit, with 1.6 million beneficiaries including partners.Department for Work and Pensions · August 2025
  • 4.0 million — 4.0 million people in England and Wales had entitlement to Personal Independence Payment.Department for Work and Pensions · 30 April 2026

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