Record high of 4m people on disability payments

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 16, 2026

The number of Personal Independence Payment claimants in England and Wales has risen to a record 4.09 million, marking a 7% increase from the previous year and nearly doubling since 2019. This surge is prompting a government review of the disability benefits system amid debates over its effectiveness, financial sustainability, and potential reforms.

The number of individuals receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in England and Wales has reached a record high, with 4.09 million claimants reported as of July 31. PIP is the primary benefit provided to people with long-term physical or mental health conditions to assist with daily living and additional costs associated with their disabilities. This figure marks a 7% increase from the 3.83 million claimants recorded a year earlier, according to the latest data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Since comparable data collection began in January 2019, the number of PIP recipients has roughly doubled from 2.05 million. Of the current total, approximately 83% (3.4 million) are of working age, while 17% (690,000) are of state pension age. Demographically, those aged 50 and older constitute 55% of claimants, followed by 30-to-49-year-olds at nearly 29% and 16-to-29-year-olds at about 17%.

The rise in claimants has intensified discussions around the effectiveness and sustainability of the UK’s disability benefits system. Earlier this year, Social Security Minister Sir Stephen Timms announced plans to publish a review in autumn examining the costs and operation of the system. An interim report released in July described the current framework as “no longer fit for purpose.”

Political figures have voiced contrasting views on the issue. Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately criticized the benefits system, describing it as broken and insufficiently responsive to helping people return to work. She also accused the current administration of overspending on benefits and characterized Labour’s approach as reliant on increasing taxes to fund disability payments.

Plans to reform disability benefits, including provisions for those with mental health conditions, were dropped last year following opposition within the Labour Party ranks. The government continues to face challenges balancing support for claimants with concerns over financial sustainability as demand for disability benefits continues to grow.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.