- Child Disability Living Allowance (DLA) recipients doubled from 333,000 in 2013 to 682,000 in 2023
- 80% of DLA children have learning challenges, behavioral disorders, or ADHD
- Significant rise in teenage disability, with concerns over young people losing support at age 16
In 2023, more than 682,000 young persons got Child Disability Living Allowance (DLA), an increase from 333,000 in 2013.
A new study found that the number of young individuals claiming disability payments has more than doubled in the last decade.
According to data conducted by the Resolution Foundation, 1.2 million children in England and Wales have a disability, with teenagers experiencing the most significant increase.
In 2023, more than 682,000 young persons got Child Disability Living Allowance (DLA), an increase from 333,000 in 2013.
According to the survey, young people aged 15-16 were more likely to obtain a disability benefit than adults in their 20s, 30s, or 40s, with only those aged 52 and beyond surpassing them.
According to the think tank, four out of every five children receiving the Child DLA have a learning challenge, behavioural disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
According to Louise Murphy, Resolution Foundation senior economist and study author, the number of young people receiving the benefit has increased by a “huge shift” in the last decade.
She stated: “Certainly, over the last decade or two, we have shifted how we discuss and classify some illnesses.
“I don’t believe we need to deny that, but I think it’s essential to recognize that, regardless of some of these societal developments, disability, and its prevalence, is real.
It impacts how people live and perceive their lives, including the welfare system, and it is showing up in some very real ways.
Ms Murphy went on to say, “For example, the number of children being prescribed medication for ADHD and other conditions such as anxiety and depression has increased significantly.”
“And we’ve noticed some disturbing trends. For example, there has been an upsurge in the number of youngsters admitted to hospitals due to self-harm.
So it’s genuine and not simply about speaking a foreign language.
The numbers also showed that the number of persons claiming disability benefits fell by more than a fourth as they moved from children’s disability allowances to adult programs.
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Ms Murphy stated, “There may be positive reasons for no longer claiming support, but it is a major concern if young people are leaving the benefits system and missing out on support at the arbitrary age of 16, rather than when their condition changes.
Data also showed that the percentage of 15-year-olds with disabilities climbed from 10% to 17% over the last decade, a faster increase than among young children or the general working population.
Ms Murphy stated: “It is natural that politicians desire to limit the increase in disability benefit spending. However, to do so, they must first recognize and treat the underlying causes of increased impairment among youngsters.
