600,000 households received more than the average worker’s salary in benefits last year, according to new data.
14:02, 04 May 2026Updated 14:24, 04 May 2026
DWP urged to reduce benefits payments for 600,000 claimants in crackdown
The Department for Work and Pensions is being urged to lower payments for 600,000 people – amid fears they are taking home MORE than an average salary.
600,000 households received more than the average worker’s salary in benefits last year, according to new data. New figures show that, 625,618 households were given more than £32,200 – the average annual take-home pay of a British worker – in DWP benefits.
Of the 600,000 households, 267,000 were paid more than £40,000 a year, 91,000 received more than £50,000 and 16,289 were given more than £60,000, an 8.5 per cent rise from the Labour Party government.
READ MORE MOT warning for popular car which has just 71 per cent pass rate
Neil O’Brien, the shadow minister for policy development, said: “The real-terms growth and scale of really large benefit claims from working-age households make the case for a return to welfare reform stronger.”
The Conservative Party MP added: “We need reforms across all types of benefit – and particularly the household benefit cap, which is no longer really constraining the growth of really large claims.
“Some households are getting a lot more in benefits than the average person gets to take home after working full-time.
“We need a system that’s fair to taxpayers as well as those benefiting from it.”
Helen Whately, the Tories ‘ shadow work and pensions secretary, said: “The household benefit cap means you can opt out of work and still get thousands of pounds of extra benefits.
“We will make the cap do what it’s supposed to do – make sure work always pays. Welfare should be a safety net, not a lifestyle choice.”
A Government spokesperson said: “The 2 per cent of households receiving this level of support have the highest needs and require extra assistance.
“The benefit cap exempts households where one or more residents have a severe disability requiring extra support and are among the most vulnerable in our society and it is right that they receive it.”