The number of individuals receiving disability benefits for ADHD has surged by 40% since the Labour party assumed office, according to official statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
In April of this year, there were 100,207 claimants of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) who listed ADHD as their main condition. This represents a notable increase from the 71,528 claimants recorded in July 2024, shortly after Labour's general election victory.
PIP, the primary disability benefit in England and Wales, is provided in addition to most other benefits and does not require recipients to seek employment. The data indicates that over 45% of PIP claimants for ADHD in April were receiving the highest rate of both daily living and mobility components, amounting to £194.60 per week. Furthermore, more than half of these claimants were aged between 16 and 24.
The rise in claims has drawn attention from political figures. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, has reiterated her call for Labour to reduce the national welfare budget to reallocate funds for defense spending. Disability minister Stephen Timms is anticipated to release an interim report on his review of PIP assessments, having previously stated that a "strong case" exists for changes in their methodology.
Last year, the government's attempt to restrict PIP eligibility by tightening the rules was abandoned following a significant backlash from Labour MPs. Junior justice minister Jake Richards acknowledged the need for the government to "get a grip" on the escalating number of PIP claims related to ADHD, emphasizing the importance of providing support and incentives for individuals to return to work.
Discussions around potential welfare reforms are ongoing. Joe Shalam, policy director at the Centre for Social Justice think tank, suggested that the incoming Prime Minister should tighten eligibility for mental health benefits and prioritize comprehensive care to enable individuals to thrive independently. He argued that this approach would be more equitable for taxpayers and beneficial for those currently supported by the PIP system.
Former Conservative minister Michael Gove proposed that schools need to adopt more rigorous diagnostic approaches for ADHD in children, citing its potential long-term impact on employment. He noted a growing identification of behavioral, emotional, and social difficulties, anxiety, depression, and ADHD among children, suggesting that current approaches sometimes offer allowances rather than structured support and challenge.
Henry Shelford, CEO of the ADHD UK charity, attributed the increase in PIP claims to a "healthcare gap" and extended NHS waiting times. He stated that while ADHD alone infrequently leads to such benefit claims, prolonged waits for assessment and treatment can exacerbate struggles. Shelford highlighted that individuals with ADHD often excel when their condition is properly managed and treated, but significant challenges arise from the inability to access timely healthcare and medication support, particularly when relocating.
A government spokesperson commented that the current administration is addressing a "broken welfare system" and has implemented measures expected to save nearly £2 billion by the end of the decade. The spokesperson also noted that the rate of increase in the PIP caseload has slowed under the current government, reporting a decrease from 400,000 claims in the 12 months to July 2024 to 270,000 in the 12 months to April 2026.