More than half a million claiming disability benefits for anxiety and depression
17 December 2024
A record half a million adults are claiming disability benefits for anxiety and depression, official figures show.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims linked to anxiety or depressive disorders rose to almost 525,000 in October, up 14pc from 461,000 a year ago, according to data published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
This number has doubled since lockdown, with claims linked to mental health soaring since 2020.
There are now a record 3.6m people entitled to PIP, up 3pc from the previous quarter, according to the data.
The DWP said psychiatric and neurological diseases and disorders were among the top five recorded as having disabling conditions, accounting for more than half of all claims.
The figures show that people in their 50s are most likely to be on benefits for anxiety or depression, followed by those in their 30s, with women more likely to be claiming than men.
Musculoskeletal problems, including arthritis, back and neck pain account for a further third of total claims, the data showed.
PIP is the main non-means-tested benefit for those with health conditions or disabilities, with payments of up to £9,500 a year to help people with living costs and getting around.
The DWP data showed that almost 125,000 people receive the maximum PIP award, which suggests that many claimants are unable to travel long or even very short distances without extra assistance.
Payments linked to supporting people with autism and learning difficulties also make up a substantial share of claims linked to mental health, with more than a quarter of a million adults now receiving PIP linked to these conditions.
There has also been a sharp increase in the number of children claiming benefits linked to autism, ADHD and learning difficulties.
PIP is paid regardless of income or employment status, and can be claimed alongside other benefits.
However, the Office for Budget Responsibility noted in 2023 that just 16pc of people who received PIP were in work.