The number of people claiming disability benefits for mental health problems has increased significantly since the pandemic
In August 2024, 24 million people in the UK claimed DWP benefits, compared to roughly 2.1 million receiving out-of-work benefits due to illness or disability in 2005. The number of people claiming benefits has increased sharply since 2005, driven by factors like an aging population, the pandemic, and a rise in mental health-related claims. The government is planning welfare reforms that could affect a million individuals, including stricter eligibility assessments and changes to benefit rates, aiming to reduce the welfare bill, which is projected to rise from £65 billion to £100 billion annually over the next four years. As of January 2024, 6.4 million people were on Universal Credit, a rise since 2022.
