The number of people claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in England and Wales has reached a record high of nearly 4 million, according to new data from the Department for Work and Pensions. As of January 2026, approximately 3.93 million individuals were receiving the benefit, an increase of 233,080 (6%) from 3.69 million a year earlier.
PIP is designed to help people with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities cover extra living costs and assist with everyday tasks. The rise comes after the government postponed planned changes to eligibility criteria last year following a rebellion by MPs, who described the proposals as “cruel.” Work and Pensions Minister Sir Stephen Timms subsequently launched a review of PIP, which is expected to be published this autumn.
Of the current claimants, just over 1.5 million are receiving PIP for psychiatric disorders, up by nearly 100,000 since last year. Within that group, 428,000 claim for mixed anxiety and depressive disorders. The data also shows a shift in age demographics: 16-29 year-olds now account for 16.6% of claimants, up from 14.6% in 2019, while the 30-44 age group rose from 19.0% to 21.0%. Conversely, the proportion of claimants aged 45-59 fell from 37.4% to 29.2%, while the 60-74 age group saw a slight increase from 29.0% to 31.0%.
Once individuals reach State Pension age, they can no longer apply for PIP, but those already receiving it can keep it permanently. Regionally, the North West has the highest number of claimants, while the North East has the lowest. In County Durham, the number of claimants is the third highest in the North East. The government has stated that the ongoing review aims to ensure PIP is “fair and fit for the future,” and a steering group of 12 experts with direct experience of disabilities or long-term health conditions has been established to assist Sir Stephen and co-chairs Sharon Brennan and Dr. Clenton Farquharson.
