Thousands of people claiming disability benefits for mental health conditions are having their awards rolled over for years without attending an in-person assessment.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims linked to anxiety and depression are routinely being extended as the assessment system continues to deal with a substantial backlog.
New figures show the number of PIP awards that were simply “maintained” reached 7,213 in April, representing a 467 per cent increase from the 1,271 recorded before the Covid pandemic.
Official data also shows only around five per cent of claimants now undergo an in-person consultation, with the majority of assessments carried out by telephone or decided using paperwork alone.
Figures for April show that 71.5 per cent of all PIP reviews involving mental health conditions resulted in awards being maintained without any change, according to The Sun.
Among those whose awards were renewed, 5,300 claims related to mixed anxiety and depressive disorders, while 1,078 were for depressive disorder and 835 were for anxiety disorders.
People claiming PIP are assessed on how their condition affects their ability to carry out everyday activities, including washing, dressing and leaving their home safely.
Assessments are intended to determine whether an award should continue, be reduced or come to an end based on updated medical evidence.
PIP mental health claims rolled over as face-to-face assessments remain rare
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Experts have said the assessment system is struggling to cope with demand, resulting in relatively few claimants attending face-to-face reviews.
Under current rules, decisions to extend, reduce or stop an award are only meant to be made when supported by fresh medical evidence.
The figures come as pressure grows on the Government to reform the disability benefits system.
The UK’s disability benefits bill is forecast to reach £41billion by 2030.
PIPs provide up to £778 monthly to those with disabilities or long-term health conditions | PA
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: “The Timms Review Interim Report is clear — PIP is no longer fit for purpose.
“The final recommendations, due this autumn, will set out the foundations for long-term reform.”
The interim review also warns the assessment system has failed to keep pace with modern understanding of disability, contributing to rising claimant numbers and mounting pressure on the welfare budget.
Officials say the surge in mental‑health‑related claims since 2013 has reshaped the benefit entirely, forcing ministers to confront both the scale of demand and the long‑term sustainability of PIP.