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Fraud, Error and Debt National Statistics and Unfulfilled Eligibility Statistics 2025-26

14 May 2026

Proposing MP
Andrew Western Lab
Stretford and Urmston
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Work and Pensions
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TAGS
Benefits & Welfare

At a Glance

Issue Summary

This statement addresses the annual statistics for fraud and error in the UK benefit system for the financial year ending 2026 2026.

Action Requested

The minister highlights progress in reducing overpayments to meet OBR forecasts by 2028/29, reports on the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act, and announces the publication of Unfulfilled Eligibility statistics. No specific future action is proposed beyond reporting.

Key Facts

  • UC overpayments have dropped to 8.5%, below pre-pandemic levels.
  • Overall rate of overpayments in FYE 2025/26 was 3.2% (£9.9bn).
  • Overpayments due to fraud are at 2.2%, claimant error at 0.6%, and official error at 0.4%.
  • The Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act received Royal Assent on December 2nd, 2025.
  • The Act is estimated to deliver £2.1 billion in benefits by 2030/31.
  • Total unfulfilled eligibility rate in FYE 2026 was 1.2% (£3.7bn).
  • Department will report on overpayments and underpayments in its Annual Report and Accounts due in July 2026.
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