The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new data showing that the number of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants in England and Wales has exceeded four million for the first time. This milestone underscores the growing demand for the primary disability benefit designed to assist individuals with long-term physical or mental health conditions.
As of April 2026, there were 4.01 million PIP recipients, marking a 7% rise from the previous year’s 3.74 million. Notably, the number of claimants has nearly doubled since January 2019, when records began at 2.05 million. Despite previous efforts to reform disability benefits—particularly those covering mental health—plans were halted last year amid opposition from Labour backbenchers.
In lieu of immediate changes, the government established the Timms Review, an initiative co-produced with disabled individuals and advocacy groups, to evaluate PIP’s effectiveness and fairness. Ministers have committed to postponing any benefit adjustments until the review concludes, with an interim report expected soon.
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Demographic shifts are evident within PIP claimants. While over half remain aged 50 and above, this share has decreased from 56.4% in 2019 to 52.2% in 2026. Conversely, younger groups are growing proportionally: 16.6% of claimants are aged 16-29, up from 14.5%, and the 30-44 category has increased from 18.9% to 20.9%. Meanwhile, the 45-59 age group’s representation declined from 37.3% to 28.9%, as the 60-74 group saw a rise from 29.2% to 31.1%.
In alignment with its welfare reform agenda, the Government has introduced new legislation under the Right to Try scheme, allowing disabled claimants to seek employment without risking immediate benefit reassessment. This change applies to PIP, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and the health component of Universal Credit across England, Wales, and Scotland.
The DWP also reported a slowdown in PIP caseload growth and an ongoing increase in face-to-face assessments. However, approval rates for new claims have declined over recent years, with only 36.6% approved in April 2026 compared to 40% in April 2025 and 46.2% in April 2024.
Downing Street emphasized the reforms’ aim to fix what it describes as a “broken system” that has historically kept many out of work and raised welfare costs substantially. The government cites £1.9 billion in projected savings by 2030 through enhanced assessment procedures and backlogs reduction.
A DWP spokesperson affirmed the commitment to creating a welfare state that supports both disabled people and taxpayers, noting the importance of the Timms Review in shaping PIP’s future.
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately has pledged that the Conservatives will conduct a comprehensive review of PIP, tighten eligibility criteria for low-level mental health claims, expedite the processing of extensive claim backlogs, and focus on getting more people into work.