Research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies indicates a substantial rise in disability benefits, particularly in mental health claims, which have increased dramatically since the pandemic. The number of working-age adults claiming these benefits in England and Wales has risen to 2.9 million, with mental health issues now constituting 44% of all claims. The government plans cuts to the personal independence payment, citing unsustainable rises in overall expenditures. The report also notes a troubling rise in morbidity and mortality rates, linked to alcohol, drugs, and suicides, further stressing public mental health crises.
More than half the increase in disability benefits is attributed to mental health claims, highlighting a significant rise in disability support needs since the pandemic.
Claims for mental ill health have surged, accounting for approximately 55% of the post-pandemic increase in disability benefits, reflecting a grim trend in public health.
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