New data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) highlights a sharp surge in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims tied to mental health. As of July 2024, 3.6 million people in England and Wales were entitled to PIP—a 29% increase from 2.8 million in July 2021。
Scottish Health Equity Research Unit
The numbers continued to climb, reaching over 3.7 million recipients by April 2025, with 1,444,016 receiving support for psychiatric disorders including anxiety, stress, and depression.
Key growth is in PIP awards where the primary medical condition is anxiety and depression. Monthly awards in these categories have skyrocketed from an average of 2,500 in 2019 to around 8,800 by 2024.
In fact, psychiatric disorders now constitute a major portion of approved PIP claims—accounting for 42% in 2024—with anxiety and depression representing 40% of that group.
The DWP acknowledges mental health as a primary force behind rising disability benefit caseloads.
Other reports show that 90% of incapacity benefit claimants include a mental or behavioural disorder in their claims.
However, assessments themselves have sparked debate—members of Parliament and DWP inquiries have noted that the PIP decision-making process may exacerbate claimants’ psychological stress.
Scotland Switches to Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
In Scotland, PIP has been phased out and replaced by Adult Disability Payment (ADP). Since March 2022, ADP has rolled out gradually across regions such as Dundee, Aberdeen, and Glasgow, before completing nationwide transition in August 2022.
By 31 October 2024, Scotland had 374,655 ADP recipients, including 130,450 new applicants and 244,205 transferred cases from PIP.
Mental and behavioural disorders made up around 38% of ADP recipients, aligning with national trends.
Between March 2022 and January 2025, combined PIP/ADP caseload in Scotland surged from 310,545 to 468,470, a 51% jump, with 58% of the increase among people 55 or older, and younger groups also showing significant growth.
Statistics also reveal about 283,000 ADP Part 1 applications and 232,000 Part 2 applications filed by October 2024. Decisions were made on 250,275 applications, with 49% approved, 47% rejected, and 4% withdrawn
Processing times improved slightly—from an average of 56 days in July 2024 to 49 days in October 2024.
Financial Scale and Societal Debate
The rise in disability payments has significant economic implications. In 2024-25, 3 million working-age PIP claimants cost the UK treasury around £21.8 billion, projected to swell to £34.1 billion by 2029-30 without reforms.
The Office for Budget Responsibility warns up to 800,000 claimants might lose entitlement due to planned reviews between 2026 and 2030, impacting about 430,000 people.
Meanwhile, the Taxpayers’ Alliance reports a striking rise in PIP, with 1.75 million receiving enhanced awards by April 2025—up from around 734,000 in 2019. Noteworthy increases occurred in claims for autism, ADHD, and anxiety disorders, raising questions about benefit system sustainability and potential misuse.
Scotland, too, is grappling with escalating costs. ADHD payments alone cost approximately £500,000 in 2022 and are forecast to hit £100 million by 2025, prompting scrutiny over long-term viability.
Should You Claim PIP or ADP?
PIP (for England, Wales, Northern Ireland) and ADP (in Scotland) offer weekly payments ranging from £29.20 to £187.45 depending on the impact on daily living and mobility.
ADP covers two components—Daily Living and Mobility—with eligibility based on living difficulties due to long-term health issues or disabilities.
ADP is non-means tested and taxable, and applicants don’t need a formal diagnosis—just evidence of functional limitations.
Steps to Apply
- Identify your condition and how it affects you. ADP/PIP assess real-life impact, not diagnosis.
- Make a Part 1 application (ADP in Scotland) or complete PIP claim forms.
- Gather supporting evidence, e.g. therapist letters, GP notes, medication records.
- Undergo Part 2 assessment, via phone or in-person.
- Await the decision, usually within a few weeks for ADP, or potentially longer in PIP.
If you’re enduring anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions that hinder mobility or daily tasks, a claim could provide vital financial aid.
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