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PIP review as young people claim anxiety benefits

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 09:57 · Archive

Young people aged 16 to 24 make up 30 per cent of recent claimants receiving disability benefit for anxiety disorders.

Young people aged 16 to 24 make up the largest proportion of recent claimants receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for anxiety disorders, accounting for 30 per cent of those who have been claiming the benefit for up to two years.

Analysis of Department for Work and Pensions figures found that 7,403 of the 24,681 people in England and Wales claiming PIP for anxiety disorders for up to two years were aged 16 to 24. A further 5,445 claimants, representing 22 per cent, were aged 25 to 34. The figures suggest that more than half of recent PIP claimants whose primary recorded condition is an anxiety disorder are under 35.

PIP is the main disability benefit for people in England and Wales who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability affecting their daily lives. It is intended to help with additional living costs associated with a person's condition. People can claim PIP from the age of 16, regardless of whether they are working, have savings or receive other benefits.

Of those claiming PIP for anxiety disorders for up to two years, 5,350 were aged 35 to 44 (22 per cent), 3,391 were aged 45 to 54 (14 per cent), and 2,649 were aged 55 to 64 (11 per cent). Just 438 people, or 2 per cent, were aged 65 or over.

Across the wider group of all PIP claimants whose primary recorded condition was an anxiety disorder, there were 72,195 people as of July 31, 2026, with 21 per cent aged 16 to 24.

A leading psychiatrist has warned that the statistics may not tell the full story about people's health conditions and the reasons they need support, suggesting that the figures alone do not provide complete insight into the causes and nature of anxiety claims among young people.

PIP review as young people claim anxiety benefits
Image: Swindon Advertiser

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In this story: Department for Work and Pensions · England and Wales

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