Number of people claiming key disability benefit hits record high
The number of people claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in England and Wales has reached a record high of over four million. Government data shows a 7% increase in claimants, fueling ongoing debates about the sustainability of the welfare system and potential eligibility reforms.
Why it matters
The rising cost of disability benefits presents a major fiscal challenge for the government and highlights the growing economic impact of long-term health conditions.
Image source, Getty Images By Beth Rose Disability Affairs Reporter Published 20 minutes ago The number of people claiming Personal Independence Payments (Pip) in England and Wales has hit a record high, according to new government figures.
As of July, just over four million people were entitled to claim the benefit, compared to 3.83 million the previous year, an increase of 7%, data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showed.
Pip is designed to support people with the extra costs of being disabled or living with long-term physical or mental health conditions, and eligibility is not affected by a person's income or savings.
In July, Sir Stephen Timms, who is leading a review on Pip, said in his interim report that the system was "not fit for purpose".
Of the 4.1 million claimants, those aged 50 and above accounted for more than half.
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