New figures have been issued today on PIP claims in a move that will arm DWP boss Liz Kendall with more arguments for reforming the UK benefits system. Official statistics released this morning indicate an increase in the number of people eligible to claim personal independence payments (PIP) in England and Wales.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) disclosed that as of the end of January this year, there were 3.7 million claimants entitled to PIP. That represents a 2 per cent increase compared to the previous figures released in October last year.
A total of 37 per cent of claimants received the highest level of award, which was consistent with the October figures. PIP is designed to help cover additional living costs for individuals suffering from long-term disability or ill health.
The Press Association reports that a total of 3.66 million claimants in England and Wales were entitled to personal independence payments as of January 31 2025. That is up 12% from 3.27 million-a-year earlier in January 2024.
At the end of January 2020, before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the figure stood at 2.14 million, PA says. It then climbed to 2.36 million by the end of January 2021, 2.57 million by January 2022 and and 2.93 million by January 2023.
The current total of 3.66 million is 71% higher than the equivalent figure five years ago. The government is expected to announce major changes to PIP today. Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, is set to announce around £7 billion in cuts to benefits.
The move comes before the Spring Statement, where Chancellor Rachel Reeves will be under pressure to make cuts to spending or increase taxes to meet her own rules. Cuts to benefits could give her wiggle room to ensure the Office for Budget Responsibility does not say she is missing her own rules.
The rules dictate that current spending must be covered by tax revenues by 2029-2030. The Times is reporting that the plans announced today at or after 12.30pm in parliament will see more assessments carried out to claim benefits.
The paper reports that most of the savings will come from making it harder to claim disability benefits.