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The distribution of welfare payments is increasing, with thousands of individuals who suffer from conditions such as obesity, alcoholism, and acne now receiving support.
An investigation by the TaxPayers’ Alliance has highlighted a significant rise in claims for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) scheme, where eligible individuals can receive up to £187 per week in state assistance.
Key Findings: Surge in PIP Claims
According to the data, a substantial rise in claims for various conditions has been recorded. Notably, in April 2025, a total of 5,817 individuals received enhanced PIP for alcohol misuse, a sharp increase from 1,443 in 2019. Similarly, the number of people claiming enhanced PIP for drug misuse rose to 1,635, compared to just 277 six years ago.
Moreover, 13 claims were granted for individuals suffering from factitious disorders, a rare condition where people intentionally create or exaggerate illness symptoms. Five people received payments due to acne. There were also claims for Tourette’s syndrome, food intolerance, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), sleep apnoea, and writer’s cramp.
Mobility Assistance and the Motability Scheme
The PIP scheme not only provides financial support but also includes mobility assistance. For those eligible for the enhanced mobility rate of £77.05 per week, there is the opportunity to lease a new car under the Motability scheme.
Popular car models under this scheme include the Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008, offering individuals with mobility needs greater independence.
Growth in Enhanced PIP Claims
A total of 1.75 million people in England received the enhanced PIP as of April 2025, a significant rise from 734,136 in January 2019. This surge is largely attributed to an increase in claims for mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and autism.
The number of enhanced claims for autism alone soared from 26,256 to 114,211 during this period. Claims for anxiety and depression also spiked, reaching 114,211 from 23,647 in 2019. Furthermore, claims for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) jumped from 4,233 to 37,339, and claims for obesity increased to 2,346.
Regional Variations in PIP Claims
A new “dashboard” launched by the TaxPayers’ Alliance now tracks PIP and other benefits claims by postcode, revealing a significant geographical variation in claim rates.
Almost one in ten people in England and Wales currently receive PIP, with Wales showing an average of 147.7 claimants per 1,000 residents. The area with the highest number of claimants is Blaenau Gwent, where there are 211 claimants per 1,000 residents.
The East of England saw the largest increase in claims, with a remarkable rise of 118% since 2019.
TaxPayers’ Alliance Response and Government Stance
John O’Connell, the Chief Executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, expressed concerns over the PIP claim increases, highlighting the need for politicians to carefully examine the system to ensure taxpayer money is being spent responsibly.
He emphasized that the magnitude of the increases for some of these conditions could be questioned, even by the most optimistic lawmakers.
On the other hand, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has maintained that all PIP applications are thoroughly assessed, with decisions based on the individual’s needs, rather than their diagnosis alone.
The rise in PIP claims highlights the growing demand for financial support for individuals with various health conditions, especially mental health disorders.
While the system is intended to assist those who genuinely require help, the significant increase in claims raises important questions about how taxpayer money is being allocated.
As claims for conditions like autism, anxiety, and depression soar, it’s crucial for policymakers to ensure that the system is fair, transparent, and sustainable.
FAQs
What conditions qualify for enhanced PIP payments?
Enhanced PIP payments are available for a range of conditions, including alcohol misuse, drug misuse, autism, anxiety, depression, obesity, and more.
How much can I receive through the PIP scheme?
Eligible individuals can receive up to £187 per week in PIP support, depending on the severity of their condition and eligibility for additional benefits such as mobility assistance.
Can I lease a car with my enhanced mobility rate?
Yes, if you qualify for the enhanced mobility rate of £77.05 per week, you may be eligible to lease a new car under the Motability scheme, with popular models including the Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008.