The Conservatives have proposed tighter eligibility rules for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which could see claimants with conditions such as anxiety, depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) lose their financial support.
The opposition party has set out plans to restrict sickness and disability benefits, including for people with what it describes as milder mental health conditions. The proposals are included in a 52-page policy document, Welfare That Works, published on November 10 by Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Helen Whately.
What the proposals say
Under the plans, the Conservatives want to end eligibility for cash disability benefits for people with milder mental health conditions, replacing some financial support with additional investment in health services.
The document states: "This will mean current claimants on the standard rates of PIP for milder mental health issues and neurodiversity conditions such as anxiety, depression and ADHD will no longer be eligible for cash support."
It also proposes removing eligibility for a minority of people receiving enhanced PIP awards for these conditions. The changes would affect existing claimants, rather than being restricted to people making new applications.
However, the document does not specify the number of current claimants who would lose their payments or provide a detailed definition of which conditions would be considered mild.
Reasons behind the changes
The Conservatives say mental health conditions and back and joint pain are major contributors to rising disability benefit spending. According to the policy document, mental health conditions have accounted for 41 per cent of new PIP cases since 2021, while mental health and musculoskeletal conditions together account for 43 per cent of all PIP daily living cases.
The party wants to reduce the number of claims involving certain mental health conditions to levels based on 2026, while returning claims for routine back and joint conditions to their 2021 baseline. It identifies mild back pain, mild arthritis, gout and whiplash among the conditions that would be affected.
Estimated savings and reinvestment
The Conservatives estimate that changes to mental health eligibility would save £8.9 billion annually, with a further £5.2 billion from restrictions involving routine back and joint pain. These projected savings cover both PIP and the Universal Credit health component, rather than PIP alone.
The party has pledged to reinvest £1 billion annually in additional health support, including treatment and rehabilitation for people who would no longer qualify for cash disability benefits. The document states that its ongoing Disability and Sickness Benefit Review will consider tighter eligibility criteria and more detailed assessments.
Current PIP rules and next steps
PIP is designed to help people with the additional costs associated with long-term health conditions or disabilities. Eligibility is based on the difficulties someone experiences with everyday activities and getting around, rather than their diagnosis alone.
People may qualify for the daily living component, the mobility component or both, depending on how their condition affects them. Each component has a standard and enhanced rate, with awards determined through an assessment of the person's needs. People with mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression and ADHD, can qualify where they meet the relevant criteria.
The Conservatives' proposals have not been introduced and there are no immediate changes to existing PIP awards as a result of the announcement. Any changes would require the party to enter government and take forward its proposed reforms. The proposals form part of a wider package which the Conservatives estimate would reduce annual welfare spending by £36.1 billion by the end of the next parliament.
