The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims process is exacerbating anxiety and other mental health conditions in vulnerable claimants, a new government-commissioned study has found
Thousands of vulnerable Brits are being pushed into psychological distress by the system designed to support them. This is the finding of a damning government-commissioned study into the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims process.
The research, published this week by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), found that the experience of applying for PIP can be so distressing that it exacerbates existing mental health conditions – particularly anxiety – and, in some cases, triggers serious physical symptoms such as palpitations, rapid breathing and difficulty sleeping.
Researchers found that claimants often felt “overwhelmed”, suffered from “anticipatory anxiety” for weeks before assessments, and described the process as riddled with triggers that intensified their condition. A small number reported “manic” episodes.
The findings come amid a sharp rise in the number of people claiming PIP. As of July 2024, there were 3.6 million people receiving the benefit in England and Wales, a 29% increase since 2021. Anxiety and depression are now among the most common reasons for new claims, with the number of awards for these conditions rising from 2,500 per month in 2019 to 8,800 per month in 2024.
The Government has signalled plans to rein in welfare spending, prompting concern that those with mental health conditions may be disproportionately affected by upcoming reforms. The new research, conducted by The Social Agency, focused on PIP applicants with a history of anxiety or neurodiversity. It found multiple stages of the claim process can cause significant distress.
At the outset, applicants were confused about eligibility rules and felt uneasy about having to speak to unfamiliar staff. The 33-page application form (known as PIP2) was described as long, complex and difficult to navigate, particularly by those struggling with information processing or trauma.
The report noted that questions – especially those relating to mobility – often appeared “seemingly irrelevant”, and many participants worried about how to supply suitable evidence for invisible or fluctuating conditions. Some said having to reflect on past trauma while completing the form was emotionally harmful and could be “re-traumatising.”
The assessment phase was also described as a significant cause of anxiety. Participants feared being misunderstood by assessors “who were unfamiliar with their condition”, and expressed anxiety about the format and timing of assessments. The sense of not being believed was a common source of stress.
Even after submitting their claim, many applicants continued to experience heightened anxiety while waiting for a decision. The report found that although a full award often brought relief, a partial or nil award led to disappointment and frustration, particularly when individuals felt their conditions had not been accurately understood.
In line with findings from MPs on the Work and Pensions Select Committee, the report acknowledged that “health assessment processes used to inform decisions on health benefits can cause psychological distress and may help to precipitate mental health issues.”
The Social Agency identified several measures that could reduce the emotional toll of the claims process. These included clearer information about what to expect, offering flexibility in how and when assessments are conducted, and providing more accessible communication – including visual guides and simpler decision letters.
It also recommended giving applicants the ability to track the progress of their claim online, and connecting vulnerable individuals to emotional or practical support services, such as caseworkers. The DWP has said the findings will help shape its Health Transformation Programme, which aims to improve the delivery of health and disability benefits.
The report concluded: “The PIP claims journey, with its complexity and lack of personalisation, triggers many of the common stressors that people with anxiety face. The emotional toll is considerable.”