There is widespread public anger after new analysis revealed that under current welfare rules, a migrant becomes eligible for Universal Credit every 43 seconds. The number of foreign nationals entitled to claim benefits in the UK has surged dramatically, nearly doubling over the past two years.
Staggering Surge in Benefit Entitlement
The latest figures are striking. In the year ending September 2025, the number of foreign nationals entitled to claim benefits reached 734,200. This represents a sharp increase and equates to roughly 14,000 new entitlements over the period, or about 2,000 per day.
The data was uncovered by the Centre for Migration Control (CMC) think tank. Its Research Director, Robert Bates, did not mince words in his criticism of the system. “It is absurd that current rules mean the British taxpayer is forced to make welfare payments to migrants,” he stated.
Bates further argued, “It is time to end the right for migrants to claim welfare and ensure that British benefits only go to deserving British citizens.”
The 'Habitual Residence Test' Explained
At the heart of this controversy is the Habitual Residence Test (HRT). This is a key assessment used by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to determine eligibility for several benefits, including Universal Credit.
The rules mean that anyone who has recently moved or returned to the UK may have to pass this 'residence test'. They must provide evidence that the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands is their main home. Crucially, these rules apply even to British citizens returning from living abroad.
The HRT was first introduced in 1994 to address concerns about people visiting the UK and claiming benefits. A significant change came in 2004 with the addition of a 'right to reside' element. This means a person cannot be considered habitually resident if they do not have the legal right to live in the UK, though not all rights to reside qualify for benefits.
Political Response and Future Policy
The issue sits at the intersection of immigration and welfare policy, attracting strong political reactions. Labour's Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has pledged to curb immigration and introduce stricter rules where people must “earn” the right to stay.
In response to the criticism, a Government spokesman defended the current trajectory while promising tougher measures. “Universal Credit is primarily reserved for people settled in the UK, and overall, the proportion of claimants in this country who are foreign nationals has fallen since October 2024,” they said.
“But we want to go further which is why we have announced plans to double the standard time most migrants have to wait before they can access benefits to 10 years, reducing the burden on the taxpayer and making sure settlement rights are earned,” the statement concluded.
The debate highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining a compassionate social security system and implementing controls designed to protect public funds and define eligibility clearly. With figures rising sharply, the pressure for reform of the Habitual Residence Test and associated welfare rules is likely to intensify.
