The number of people claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in England and Wales has reached a record high, with just over four million individuals entitled to the benefit as of July. This marks a 7% increase from 3.83 million claimants the previous year, according to data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
PIP is designed to help with the additional costs associated with disability or long-term health conditions, and eligibility is not based on income or savings. More than half of the 4.1 million claimants are aged 50 and above, while just under three in ten are aged 30 to 49, and 17% are aged 16 to 29.
Sir Stephen Timms, who is leading a review into PIP, stated in his interim report in July that the system was "not fit for purpose." The report also suggested the system had become a barrier to work for many and that the application process was "dehumanising."
Government figures indicate that spending on PIP, adjusted for inflation, rose from £16.3bn in 2019-20 to £27.3bn by 2024-25. It is currently forecast to increase further to £41.5bn by 2030-31. Earlier this month, the review's "emerging recommendations" included more face-to-face assessments and the availability of non-cash support alongside cash payments. The full Timms review is expected to be published later this year.