Trends and hotspots in disability and mental health benefit claims across the UK
The rise in disability benefit claims in England and Wales, reaching nearly 4 million by 2025, is largely driven by increased mental health issues and demographic changes like rising state pension age. The government is planning reforms to the Pip benefit system, which are expected to reduce savings but may leave more people in relative poverty. The increase in claims is also possibly influenced by better awareness of benefits and economic shocks, though the exact causes remain uncertain.