Mental health-related conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD have become the most common reason for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims, with total claims now surpassing four million for the first time. According to the latest figures, these conditions account for nearly two in five (39%) of all claims, with numbers more than doubling over the last six years.
The surge has been particularly pronounced in Birmingham, where in some parts of the city, mental health conditions account for over 40% of total PIP claims. Nationally, the number of people claiming PIP has reached a record high, prompting concerns about the sustainability of the disability benefits system.
Sharp rise in young claimants
The spike in claims is largely driven by young adults, particularly post-Covid. More than 87,000 16 and 17-year-olds now claim PIP, with over two-thirds receiving the higher rate of £194 a week for mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions such as anxiety and ADHD, as recently reported by The Times.
Total claims for these conditions have more than doubled over the last six years, rising from around 700,000 in 2019 to approximately 1.5 million today. In contrast, other common conditions like musculoskeletal complaints have not seen similar increases.
Criticism and review
Critics argue that it has become too easy to claim PIP for mental health-related conditions, and that the system is not working to support the people it was designed for. An independent review of disability benefits recently concluded that the current system is “no longer fit for purpose”.
PIP is designed as an extra-cost benefit rather than an income replacement. It is non-means-tested, and eligibility depends on how a health condition impacts daily living and mobility, regardless of whether the claimant is employed. In many cases, the payments cover essential costs such as adapted transport, specialist equipment, and personal care that enable disabled people to remain in employment.
Potential changes ahead
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he wants to see more young adults receive mental health support while in work. The ongoing review has recommended a major overhaul of the UK's main disability benefit, and this area is likely to be a main focus of the PIP shake-up expected next year. It may become harder for people with these complaints to access cash.
