More than 100,000 individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are currently receiving disability benefits in the United Kingdom without any obligation to seek employment, representing a 40 percent increase since the Labour Party assumed government in 2024. Official data indicates that, on average, 40 personal independence payments (PIP) citing ADHD as the primary condition have been approved daily over the past two years. The number of claimants rose from 71,528 in July 2024 to 100,207 by April 2026, a rise largely attributed to an increase in younger recipients.

More than half of those receiving PIP for ADHD are between the ages of 16 and 24. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of young claimants cite neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions such as ADHD, autism, depression, or anxiety as their main disability, compared to just under half in 2020. Approximately 40 percent of those claiming PIP for ADHD are awarded the highest rate of daily living and mobility components, which can amount to up to £194 per week. These payments are provided on top of other benefits and do not carry any work search requirements.

The growing number of ADHD claimants comes shortly before Sir Stephen Timms, the disability minister, is set to release an interim report on the welfare system for disabled individuals. Timms’ review follows a failed attempt by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to reform disability benefits, which was blocked by Labour MPs. Timms has previously indicated that changes could be introduced to encourage more recipients into the labor market and to address increasing costs.

At present, over four million people claim PIP across the UK, and government forecasts project that real-terms spending on the program will rise from £26 billion in 2024-25 to £45 billion by 2031.

Andy Burnham, the Labour Party’s prime minister-in-waiting, acknowledged the need to manage costs but cautioned against "crude" cuts to disability benefits. Instead, he emphasized prioritizing reforms in education and technical training to improve young people’s employment prospects. Speaking on LBC radio last week, Burnham said too many students are unsure of their future by year 10 of secondary school because the current system fails to address their needs.

Alan Milburn, a government adviser on youth unemployment, called welfare reform “absolutely necessary” during a recent event in London hosted by the Centre for Social Justice think tank. He described the current situation as a “youth employment catastrophe,” driven largely by increased claims related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism. Milburn noted that the number of young people receiving health and disability benefits has doubled over the past five years. He confirmed having private discussions with Burnham on the issue but did not disclose further details, expressing cautious optimism about potential policy changes.