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Number of people on PIP increases to nearly 4 million - experts issue warning and share how to claim yourself

ended 27. August 2025

The number of people on Personal Independence Payments (PIP) has increased in just three months by over 70,000 with experts warning about “serious concerns about the sustainability of the system”.

Latest PIP figures show that as at 30 April 2025 there were 3.7 million claimants entitled to the payments in England and Wales.

That's a 2%, or 72,520, increase on the number as at 31 January 2025. 

A total of 37% received the highest level of award, the same level as in January 2025.

Experts warned of “serious concerns about the sustainability of the PIP system” – but also gave advice on how to apply if you need support.

Dawn Maria France, Editor-in-Chief at Yorkshire Women's Life Magazine, said: "This trend highlights serious concerns about the sustainability of the PIP system. For those who have recently received PIP, it is essential to manage finances effectively – prioritising necessary expenses and maintaining a careful budget. 

“If you believe you qualify for PIP, don't hesitate to visit the official government website for comprehensive information on eligibility criteria and the application process. Taking these proactive steps will significantly enhance your chances of obtaining this crucial support.”

Keith Budden, Managing Director at Liss-based Ensurety, said PIP is needed to help many Brits.

He added: "As someone who is themselves a PIP recipient, it is worth remembering that many of those in receipt of PIP are still in employment or self-employment. It is not a reward for 'being lazy' as portrayed by some, it just goes to cover some of the extra costs involved in being disabled. 

"As an example, my disability means I cannot walk long distances and so I need to use taxis more than your average commuter, and likewise my co-ordination is poor so I'm dependent on voice software for typing and controlling my PC. 

"All of this costs extra money, which PIP helps to subsidise for me. I hear the argument people say about how it's easy to get, it really isn't, and even if you do get it often delays of up to 12 months between you claiming and getting an award decision, and a further 6 months if you are not awarded the benefit and you need to take it to appeal."

Benjamin Beck, Money Coach at Beck Money Coach, also had some advice for people who think they could be eligible.

He added: "It's difficult to comment on the new figures without understanding the root causes. It could be that people are more aware of the various benefits available. 

"I think it's positive that we live in a society where those who need these benefits the most can have access to them. Receiving these benefits means they're not in a position to work and thus budgeting is essential to ensure every penny has a job to do. 

"I may be stating the obvious, but I have found through my work that many people don't have a budget. The government has clear direction online for those who may be eligible for these benefits."

David Belle, Founder and Trader at Fink Money, claimed that many could be conning the system and it could lead to a “massive” debt crisis.

He said: "PIP applicants increasing can be translated to 'more people conning the system increasing.' If you go on TikTok, you can find video upon video of people telling you how to game the system, a system where judgements are done now 90% over the phone and not in person. 

"The cost of this is tied to long term sickness increase too, a proxy now for unemployment. 4.7% unemployment is the official figure – many have simply decided to stop working and get incapacity benefits instead. 

"Couple this with the minimum wage rising ever faster to meet the median wage, with tax bands not having changed in years while we've had rampant inflation, and you can see the incentives crisis the UK is facing. 

“Expect debt costs to soar further after the Labour government categorically decided not to cut spending on the unproductive parts of the economy. IMF bailout, not quite, but we are bound for a massive debt crisis that will affect us for years.”

4 responses from the Newspage community

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David Belle
Founder and Trader at Fink Money
PIP applicants increasing can be translated to 'more people conning the system increasing.'

If you go on TikTok, you can find video upon video of people telling you how to game the system, a system where judgements are done now 90% over the phone and not in person.

The cost of this is tied to long term sickness increase too, a proxy now for unemployment. 4.7% unemployment is the official figure - many have simply decided to stop working and get incapacity benefits instead.

Couple this with the minimum wage rising ever faster to meet the median wage, with tax bands not having changed in years while we've had rampant inflation, and you can see the incentives crisis the UK is facing.

Expect debt costs to soar further after the Labour government categorically decided not to cut spending on the unproductive parts of the economy. IMF bailout, not quite, but we are bound for a massive debt crisis that will affect us for years.
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Benjamin Beck
Money Coach at Beck Money Coach
It's difficult to comment on the new figures without understanding the root causes. It could be that people are more aware of the various benefits available.

I think it's positive that we live in a society where those who need these benefits the most can have access to them.

Receiving these benefits means they're not in a position to work and thus budgeting is essential to ensure every penny has a job to do. I may be stating the obvious, but I have found through my work that many people don't have a budget.

The government has clear direction online for those who may be eligible for these benefits.

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Keith Budden
Managing Director at Ensurety
As someone who is themselves a PIP recipient (and I have been for a number of years and DLA before that), it is worth remembering that many of those in receipt of PIP are still in employment or self-employment. It is not a reward for 'being lazy' as portrayed by some, it just goes to cover some of the extra costs involved in being disabled. As an example, my disability means I cannot walk long distances and so I need to use taxis more than your average commuter, and likewise my co-ordination is poor so I'm dependent on voice software for typing and controlling my PC. All of this costs extra money, which PIP helps to subsidise for me.

I hear the argument people say about how it's easy to get, it really isn't, and even if you do get it often delays of up to 12 months between you claiming and getting an award decision, and a further 6 months if you are not awarded the benefit and you need to take it to appeal.
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Dawn Maria France
Editor-in-Chief at Yorkshire Women's Life Magazine
Recent statistics clearly indicate a substantial increase in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants, with over 70,000 new recipients in the past three months, bringing the total to nearly 4 million. This trend highlights serious concerns about the sustainability of the PIP system. For those who have recently received PIP, it is essential to manage finances effectively—prioritising necessary expenses and maintaining a careful budget. If you believe you qualify for PIP, don't hesitate to visit the official government website for comprehensive information on eligibility criteria and the application process. Taking these proactive steps will significantly enhance your chances of obtaining this crucial support.