The figures have emerged as ministers prepare to examine the future of PIP, while senior political figures and advisers have raised concerns about growing numbers of young people claiming disability-related benefits. According to GB News, the latest data show that claims linked to ADHD have increased significantly over the past two years.
According to official figures reported by GB News, the Government approved an average of 40 new PIP claims each day for ADHD over the last two years. The number of people receiving the benefit for the condition rose from 71,258 in July 2024 to 100,207 in April 2026.
Young People Account for a Large Share of Mental Health-Related Claims
The latest figures indicate that much of the increase has been driven by younger claimants. More than half of those receiving PIP for mental health conditions are aged between 16 and 24, while almost two-thirds of young claimants identify ADHD, autism, depression or anxiety as their primary disability.
According to GB News, four in ten PIP claimants with ADHD receive the highest rate of both the daily living and mobility components, amounting to £194 per week. The payment is made alongside other benefits and does not require recipients to seek employment.
The figures come ahead of an interim report by Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms, who is expected to publish recommendations on the disability welfare system within days. Speaking to the i Paper, Sir Stephen said changes could be considered to help PIP better support people into work or help them remain in employment if they develop a health condition during their working lives. He said those issues would form part of wider recommendations scheduled for publication in November.
Welfare Reform Debate Intensifies as Ministers Review the System
The increase in ADHD-related claims has become part of a broader discussion about welfare reform and youth unemployment. Alan Milburn, the Government’s adviser on youth unemployment, described Britain as facing a “huge welfare problem” during an event organised by the Centre for Social Justice.
According to the same source, Mr Milburn said the country was experiencing a “youth unemployment catastrophe” and linked the rising welfare bill to growing numbers of young people outside the labour market. He also confirmed that he had discussed the issue privately with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, adding that everything he had seen publicly suggested welfare reform was necessary.
Former Education Secretary Lord Gove also addressed the event, arguing that schools should take a more rigorous approach when diagnosing ADHD. He said there were increasing numbers of children being identified with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, alongside anxiety, depression and ADHD, and argued that support and challenge should be prioritised over making excuses and allowances.
According to a Government source quoted by The Times, the increase in ADHD-related benefit claims predates Labour’s time in office, with the number of claimants rising from 25,000 in January 2020 to 70,000 by July 2024.
A Government spokesperson said the current administration had inherited what it described as a “broken welfare system” and was introducing reforms projected to save nearly £2 billion by the end of the decade. The spokesperson also stated that growth in the overall PIP caseload had eased, with the annual increase falling from 400,000 claimants in the year to July 2024 to 270,000 in the year to April 2026.
