People suffering with anxiety and depression may find it more difficult to claim disability benefits after a government review concluded that Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are 'no longer fit for purpose'. The review, led by Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms, has published its initial conclusions, signalling a major overhaul of the benefit system that currently supports around four million claimants.
Surge in Anxiety and Depression Claims
New figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveal that PIP claims related to anxiety and depression have surged over the last decade. The review document states: 'All conditions groups have shown some increase over time... however, the extent of increase varies across conditions. Anxiety and depression show the most significant increase, rising sharply from 5.9% in 2020 to 8.1% in 2025.'
In contrast, musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain and arthritis have seen a slower, more steady increase. The report notes that the number of people reporting mental health conditions and autism has increased significantly since 2009, particularly after the pandemic.
Minister Calls for Fundamental Change
Work and Pensions Minister Pat McFadden has suggested it may become more difficult for people with anxiety and depression to access PIP. While 'crude' cuts to payments appear unlikely, the DWP aims to curb the ballooning benefits bill. The final recommendations are expected to be passed to the government in the autumn.
Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms, leading the review, said: 'This interim report delivers a clear message: while PIP is widely valued as a benefit, it is not working as intended and needs fundamental change.' He added that the review has been informed by a wide range of evidence, including more than 38,000 responses to a call for evidence.
Charity Concerns Over Flawed System
Mark Winstanley, chief executive of the charity Rethink Mental Illness, commented: 'The interim review tallies with what we've found in our own research: that the current scoring system doesn't account for the reality of serious yet fluctuating mental illness, that assessments are stressful and demoralising, and that even people who are severely unwell struggle to get the support they need.' He warned that the PIP system traps people in a 'vicious cycle of recovery and relapse', making it harder for them to work or maintain relationships.
What Happens Next?
The review team has published its initial conclusions, with a final report due in the autumn. The government will then decide on specific changes to PIP eligibility criteria. The review suggests that a higher threshold may be needed for accessing cash, particularly for conditions like anxiety and depression where claim numbers have risen sharply.
