The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rejected 7,073 of 10,106 Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims from under-25s in July, with autism, ADHD, anxiety and depression the conditions most likely to be refused.
New figures show that during Andy Burnham's first month as Prime Minister, a record 12,042 young people applied for the disability benefit in England and Wales, equating to almost 400 per day, or one every four minutes. The Labour leader succeeded Sir Keir Starmer at Number 10 in July.
Approval and rejection rates for under-25s
Of the 10,106 claims from under-25s processed in July, DWP figures show Labour approved just 3,030 while rejecting 7,073. The department was most stringent regarding autism, ADHD, anxiety and depression, turning down 803 autism claimants and 870 for ADHD. A further 614 anxiety and depression claims were dismissed.
In total, anxiety, depression and related conditions accounted for 2,160 claims, with 1,159 proving unsuccessful.
Record claims from 16 to 24-year-olds
Claims from 16 to 19-year-olds reached a record 5,181, while those aged 20 to 24 submitted a record 6,861 applications for the benefit, which is paid in two parts based on daily living requirements and mobility needs. The benefit is currently paid to four million recipients across the country.
Among the July caseload, autism topped the list with 566 claimants, followed by ADHD with 288 and 542 for mixed anxiety and depression. A further 426 young people claimed for anxiety disorders, 283 for mood disorders and 191 for stress reactions, while 50 claims were submitted for eating disorders.
Political response to the surge
Reform UK's treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick, who previously served as a Conservative MP before joining Nigel Farage's party, told The Sun: "The old parties have failed young people and left them dependent on benefits. Reform will give them a leg up by raising the tax-free personal allowance to £15,000 to make work pay again. Benefits Burnham is going to bankrupt the country unless he tackles this now."
