Almost one million Londoners are claiming Universal Credit, according to latest data from the Department for Work and Pensions.
In September, 977,966 Londoners were receiving Universal Credit, an increase of more than 30,000 people – or more than a 3% rise – since May.
London Labour says the government “must address” the cost of living “so fewer Londoners are forced into poverty”.
A government spokesperson said benefits had been raised by over 10% this year.
Research from the Trussell Trust shows 90% of those on Universal Credit are currently going without what it says are essentials.
Between April and September 2022, the organisation gave out almost 1.3 million food parcels across the UK, which it says is due to “inadequate social security”.
The Universal Credit standard allowance for a single person over the age of 25 is £85 a week.
The Trussell Trust says it would need to be at least £120 a week for people to not go without basic essentials including food, clothes and toiletries.
London Assembly Labour economy spokesperson, Marina Ahmad, is calling for the government to lift the amount paid through Universal Credit.
She said: “More people than ever cannot find stable, well-paid, work to support themselves and their families so have been forced to use government benefits instead.
“We know that the low amount of these payments keeps people in punishing levels of poverty. Claimants are being forced to skip meals, go into debt, and dread their next bill.”
A government spokesperson said: “We are increasing the National Living Wage again, on top of record financial support worth around £3,300 per household.
“We know work is the best route out of poverty which is why we are delivering measures designed to support people to enter work, increase their working hours and extend their working lives.”