PIP Recipients Reach Four Million as Review Finds Financial Hardship Prompts More Claims

A government review by Sir Stephen Timms found that close to a quarter of people who contacted Citizens Advice about energy bills or rent were then advised to pursue Personal Independence Payment claims. GB News reported that Department for Work and Pensions officials identified support organisations, healthcare workers and benefits advisers routinely steering individuals toward PIP amid financial pressures.

PIPs provide up to £778 a month to people with disabilities or long-term health conditions and are available without a means test to both employed and unemployed recipients.

Research commissioned by the DWP showed financial difficulties often trigger the claims process. Interviews by Basis Social with charity advisers, medical professionals and social workers indicated that discussions about PIP formed a significant share of their daily work.

The number of PIP recipients rose from 2.1 million in April 2018 to four million by April 2026, including 3.3 million working-age claimants and 700,000 pensioners.

More than one million people joined the rolls since April 2022, with mental health conditions such as anxiety and ADHD accounting for much of the increase. Spending grew from £12.5 billion in 2019-20 to an estimated £28.7 billion in the 2026-27 financial year, with Sir Stephen Timms' report projecting £41 billion annually by the end of the decade.

Helen Whately, the shadow work and pensions secretary, said anyone encouraging a PIP claim should do so only when they genuinely believe the person is entitled.

She stated that a system that can be exploited like this is clearly broken and that Conservatives would conduct a root-and-branch review to replace PIP with a new sickness benefits system using face-to-face assessments. A DWP spokesman said the central conclusion of the Timms Review Interim Report is that PIP is no longer fit for purpose, with final recommendations due this autumn.