Britain’s disability benefit bill is continuing to climb, with a record number of people now relying on support.
Around 3.93 million people in England and Wales were receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as of January 2026 the highest level on record, new figures show.
That marks a six per cent rise from 3.69 million a year earlier, an increase of more than 233,000 claimants in just 12 months, the Department for Work and Pensions stated.
PIP is designed to help people with long-term health conditions or disabilities cover extra living costs.
Over time, the number of people receiving the benefit has nearly doubled from 2.05 million in January 2019, just seven years ago.
The figures point to a clear shift towards younger claimants. Those aged 16 to 29 now account for 16.6 per cent of all recipients, up from 14.6 per cent seven years ago.
A similar trend is seen among 30 to 44-year-olds, whose share has risen from 19 per cent to 21 per cent over the same period.
Meanwhile, the proportion of claimants aged 45 to 59 has fallen sharply, dropping from 37.4 per cent in January 2019 to 29.2 per cent this year.
By contrast, the share of older claimants aged 60 to 74 has edged up slightly, increasing from 29.0 per cent to 31.0 per cent.
The share of older claimants aged 60 to 74 has edged up slightly, increasing from 29.0 per cent to 31.0 per cent
|
GETTYThe surge in overall claimant numbers comes as ministers await the outcome of a review led by Work and Pensions Minister Sir Stephen Timms, with findings expected this autumn.
The review was launched after the Government was forced to abandon proposed changes to PIP eligibility criteria last year following a backbench revolt in the Commons.
Ministers have since pledged that no reforms to qualifying rules will be introduced until the review concludes, with the stated aim of ensuring the system remains “fair and fit for the future”.
The Department for Work and Pensions currently records more than 500 distinct health conditions linked to claims, with around 178 commonly referenced in eligibility guidance. However, there is no definitive list of qualifying conditions.
Labour is understood to be considering potential changes to the benefit amid growing concerns about rising welfare expenditure
|
GETTY
Labour is understood to be considering potential changes to the benefit amid growing concerns about rising welfare expenditure, with the department seeking ways to reduce spending.
Citizens Advice has raised concerns about the quality of PIP assessments during the review period, revealing that it supports around 900 people each day with benefit-related issues.
The charity warned that assessment reports can contain errors and inconsistencies. Advisers said: “Assessment reports don’t always accurately reflect the impact of health conditions. They can include contradictions and inaccuracies.”
Citizens Advice has raised concerns about the quality of PIP assessments during the review period, revealing that it supports around 900 people each day with benefit-related issues
|
GETTYThey also highlighted that claimants may be disadvantaged if they appear well on the day of assessment or have fluctuating conditions, with some assessors lacking sufficient understanding of mental health issues.
Sir Stephen is joined by co-chairs Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson, both of whom have lived experience of disability.
The review is also supported by a 12-member steering group made up of experts and individuals with direct experience of long-term health conditions.