• Anxiety, depression benefits surge
• PIP expenditures reach £1.6B
• Factors: awareness, cost of living

According to official data, disability benefits for anxiety and depression have increased by a factor of two hundred over the past decade.

Data provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that annual expenditures on Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for these two mental health conditions now amount to nearly £1.6 billion. In contrast, this figure was only £7.5 million at the program’s inception in 2013.

Official projections indicate a significant rise in expenditures on illness under the same program to £33 billion by 2029, up from just under £19 billion in 2018.

Experts suggest that increased awareness of mental health conditions and “changing attitudes” may be responsible for the surge. Others believe a higher cost of living and less benefits may have increased claims.

PIP users with mental health, disability, or sickness can get up to £172 per week. Introduced in April 2013, the system aimed to help individuals with mental health conditions, long-term illnesses, or disabilities live more independently by covering additional expenses associated with their condition.

Individuals may qualify for PIP mobility payments if they have difficulty getting around due to a cognitive or mental health condition, such as anxiety, according to the government. This includes those having difficulty leaving their residence.

Mental Health Expenditure Soars: DWP Predictions

Mental health and cognitive disabilities now account for £6 billion in adult PIP expenses, according to DWP figures. Anxiety and depression are the primary causes, amounting to £1.6 billion.

PIP spending is expected to climb to £32.8 billion by 2028/29 from £18.7 billion in 2022/23, according to the DWS. Additionally, the current disability benefit recipients of 2.9 million are expected to increase to 4.7 million.

Experts warn that deteriorating health conditions in the UK could result in an avalanche of new PIP claims. The cost of living crisis, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, has significantly contributed to higher depression rates. This was reported by the Office for National Statistics last year.

In August, Citizens Advice reported that over 430,000 people were awaiting PIP reviews, some with two-year delays.

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Factors Behind Anxiety Benefits Surge

Authorities attribute the increase in benefits for anxiety and depression to various factors, including an ageing and more ill population, heightened awareness of mental health issues, and a cost of living crisis. A government source mentioned “changing perspectives on mental health, the Covid shadow, and inflation” as contributing factors. They emphasized the administration’s commitment to long-term welfare reform decisions.

David Finch, assistant director of the Health Foundation think tank, noted that the cost of living crisis and an increase in people reporting mental health conditions exacerbated an underlying trend. He said that additional benefit cuts and growing costs may have triggered PIP applications.

A Department of Work and Pensions spokesman stated that the government would “eradicate obstacles for millions of individuals by eliminating the apprehension of reassessment for claimants endeavoring to secure employment.”

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