The latest Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) statistics show that claims for sickness-related benefits in the UK have soared to an unprecedented 7.6 million.
Notably, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims have climbed sharply to an all-time high of 4.1 million, marking a 7% increase from 3.83 million the previous year. This upward trajectory reflects a dramatic rise since January 2019, when the number of claimants was 2.05 million.
Among the 4.09 million PIP claimants, 83% (3.4 million) are of working age, while 17% (690,000) are of state pension age. Age-wise, those aged 50 and over represent 55% of claimants, followed by nearly 29% aged between 30 and 49, and almost 17% aged 16 to 29.
Shimeon Lee, a policy analyst at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, expressed concern over the growing benefit system. He stated, “Britain’s sickness benefits bill is spiralling out of control, with millions more people now relying on health-related welfare. Ministers cannot keep postponing reform while claimant numbers and costs continue to rise. The government needs to tighten eligibility criteria, encourage return to work, and manage the welfare expenditure effectively.”
Lee Anderson MP, chairman of Reform UK, criticised the previous Labour government for losing control over the welfare system. He said, “Taxpayers who work hard every day are shouldering an ever-increasing benefits bill as unemployment rises. We must restore fundamental principles: genuine inability to work should be supported, but those capable of working must be expected to do so. Reform will address system abuse and prioritise work within welfare policy.”