THE 10 biggest benefits claimants in Northern Ireland receive an average of £36,000 a year each in welfare payments, new figures show.
Around £362,000 in social security benefits were shared between the top 10 people claiming the largest amounts over the past year – £36,200 each on average.
To take home the same pay after deducting tax, workers would have to attract a salary of around £50,000 – more than the £48,000 basic wage of MLAs.
The benefits bill for the 10 migrants who claimed the most in welfare was lower at £290,000, or an average of £29,000 per claimant.
The figures were disclosed by the Department for Social Development (DSD) following an assembly question by Ukip's Northern Ireland leader David McNarry.
DSD refused to disclose the largest amount claimed by an individual, saying it was prohibited because it "might identify" the benefits claimant.
The statistics for benefits claims by 'UK nationals' and 'non-UK nationals' cover the 2014-15 financial year.
Strangford MLA David McNarry described the figures as "shocking".
"Between non-UK nationals and UK nationals a staggering £650,000 was paid out to just 20 people – well over half a million pounds," he said.
"The question is not do the recipients deserve this money, but do they deserve so much? This is 20 people, which is an average £33,000 per person.
"The sooner employers make profits to pay higher wages the better, the sooner the Stormont executive stops wasting cash the better. What about our nurses and firefighters, to name a few unsung heroes – how many nurses would enjoy a £33,000 pay cheque?".
The statistics come amid confusion over the welfare package set aside by the DUP and Sinn Féin as part of its 'Fresh Start' deal.
The agreement pledges £345m over the next four years for measures designed to mitigate welfare changes and £240m for tax credits mitigation.
However, the deal has been criticised by the Green Party's leader Steven Agnew who claims most of the £345m is old money repackaged.
And last week British chancellor George Osborne dropped planned cuts to tax credits, leaving the fate of the £240m earmarked by Stormont unclear.
It is thought republicans are keen to see the money added to a package already allocated to help those losing out on welfare reforms, whereas the DUP want to consider other spending options.
Last month Stormont voted to allow Westminster to implement changes to the welfare system in Northern Ireland following support from the DUP, Sinn Féin and Alliance.
