The largest number of single parents affected by the federal government's decision to reduce their welfare payments live in the Prime Minister's electorate in Melbourne's west.

Labor MPs represent six of the 10 electorates with the largest number of people receiving the payment, according to an analysis done by the Department of Human Services late last year.

Welfare issue close to home ... Julia Gillard. Credit:Andrew Meares

Ms Gillard's electorate of Lalor is home to 4829 people, mostly women, who receive the single parent payment.

The Sydney seat of Chifley, held by Ed Husic, has the next highest number - 4548.