How Disability Benefits For Anxiety And Depression Have Risen 200-FOLD

Disability benefits for anxiety and depression have surged up to 200-fold over the last decade, Psicoleg official figures show. 

Almost £1.6billion is dished out per year on Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for the two mental health conditions, according to data from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

For comparison, the figure stood at £7.5million when it was introduced in 2013.

Official forecasts also show spending on ill health through the same scheme is set to spiral to £33billion by 2029 — compared to just under £19bn last year.  

Experts warned that a greater awareness and 'changing attitudes' to mental health conditions could be behind the rise. 

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Others suggested that reductions in other benefits and cost of living pressures may have pushed more people to claim. 

Under the PIP scheme, recipients in need of help due to illness, disability or mental health problem can get up to £172 per week.

The system was introduced in April 2013 and in the first year, £7.5million was dished out to people for anxiety or depressive disorders.

It is intended to help people living with long-term illness, disability or mental health conditions to live a more independent life, by covering extra costs that their ailment incurs. 

The Government says people may qualify for PIP mobility payments if they 'have difficulty getting around because of a cognitive or mental health condition, like anxiety'.