The number of people relying on disability benefits has reached a record high, with mental health conditions accounting for the biggest share of claims.
A total of 4.09 million people in England and Wales were entitled to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at the end of July, new Department for Work and Pensions figures show.
There were 268,965 people receiving PIP who were classed as having autistic spectrum disorders in July, compared with 79,395 in January 2019. That is more than three times as many people.
The number with mixed anxiety and depressive disorders has also soared, reaching 442,666 in July compared with 171,833 in January 2019.
There were also 106,087 PIP claimants with hyperkinetic disorders including ADHD or ADD, up from 23,741 in January 2019.
Some 1.60 million claimants - 39% of the total - were listed as having psychiatric disorders, making it the most common disability category. The figures show particularly sharp increases in several conditions since 2019.
The figures come as the Government prepares to publish the final report of a major review into the disability benefits system later this autumn.
The review, led by social security minister Sir Stephen Timms, said in its interim findings in July that the system is “no longer fit for purpose”.
Sir Stephen said the system, designed in 2013, needs “fundamental change” and must be made “financially sustainable”.
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However, he also warned that the “vital support” provided by PIP to help disabled people meet the extra costs of everyday life could be under threat if spending continues to rise.
PIP spending stood at £16.3 billion in 2019-20, when adjusted for inflation to today's prices.
It had risen to £27.3 billion by 2024-25 and is forecast to reach £41.5 billion by 2030-31, according to DWP figures.
Millions of working-age people receive PIP
Of the 4.09 million people entitled to PIP, 3.4 million, or 83%, are of working age, while 690,000 are of state pension age.
People aged 50 and over account for 55% of all claimants.
Musculoskeletal conditions were the second most common disability category, affecting 764,305 people, or 19% of the total.
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But while the number of people entitled to PIP continues to climb, the proportion of new claims being awarded has fallen.
Just 35.8% of new PIP claims were granted in July, while 61.4% were disallowed and 2.8% were withdrawn.
The grant rate was 41.1% in July 2025 and 46.4% in July 2024.
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Ministers abandoned plans last year to overhaul disability benefits, including changes affecting people with mental health conditions, after opposition from Labour backbenchers.
The Timms review was subsequently established to examine how PIP works and gather views on the future of the system.
When asked in July whether the final review could include cuts to the number of people receiving PIP, Sir Stephen said people would have to “wait and see” what the final report says.
The DWP has said the review will help ensure the benefits system is “fit and fair for the future”.
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