More than four million people are now claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP), new figures show. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reported that 4.01 million people were entitled to PIP in April 2026, an increase of over 266,000 from the previous year.
Mental Health Conditions Dominate Claims
Mental health conditions remain the primary driver of new claims, with over a third of recipients listing a psychological condition as their main disability. Anxiety disorders account for the largest category, with 504,784 claimants, up from 468,962 a year earlier. Depression-related claims have also risen, while ADHD-linked awards have surpassed 100,000 for the first time. Autism has become the second most common condition among successful claimants, overtaking osteoarthritis.
Physical Conditions Spark Controversy
The figures also reveal thousands receiving PIP for physical health issues, including 52,374 for non-specific back pain, 4,688 for obesity, and 3,288 for irritable bowel syndrome. Notably, 173 people claim for constipation, 21 for acne vulgaris, 1,690 for eczema, 2,295 for psoriasis, 442 for tennis elbow, and 46 for bedwetting.
Critics have condemned these awards. Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson MP called the figures "absurd," stating: "Conditions such as constipation, acne, tennis elbow and bedwetting should be treated by the NHS, not funded through the welfare system."
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately MP said: "Labour have let a sickness benefit crisis spiral out of control. We have a system that’s too quick to write people off and too slow to help them into work."
Government Response
A government spokesperson defended the system, noting that individuals may have multiple conditions and only the primary disabling condition is recorded. They added: "We’re fixing the broken system we inherited and have launched the Timms Review to make sure PIP is fit and fair for the future. We are also investing a record £16.1 billion in NHS mental health services this year."
The increase in PIP caseload has slowed under this government, falling from 400,000 in the 12 months to July 2024 to 270,000 in the 12 months to April 2026.
