BRITS who suffer from eczema to bedwetting are claiming almost £10,000-a-year each in disability benefits, official data reveals.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is expected to outline plans to get more people back to work and cut the cost of the rising benefits bill.
Roughly 1.3 million people are eligible for the maximum of £9,500 a year[/caption]
Downing Street has said there is a “moral and an economic case” for an overhaul and that the changes would put the welfare system “back on a more sustainable path”.
There have been reports that the changes could slash some £5billion of welfare payments.
PIP is a benefit aimed at helping the disabled with the increased cost of living associated with their conditions.
It is not means-tested and is available to people even if they are working.
A total of 3.66 million claimants in England and Wales were entitled to PIP as of January 2025, according to new figures published by DWP.
The current total of 3.66 million is 71 per cent higher than the equivalent figure five years ago.
The benefits bill has risen with this increase reaching £48billion in 2023-24 and is forecast to continue rising to £67billion in 2029-30.
Roughly 1.3 million people are eligible for the maximum of £9,500 a year, according to The Telegraph.
But the official data reveals PIP payments are linked to around 500 conditions.
It shows 5,282 people were getting the maximum amount for alcohol misuse in October last year.
Nearly 1,630 people received the max because of long Covid, while people with conditions like acne and eczema were also rewarded.
Another 44 people were eligible for a cleft lip and palate, six people for acne and 9 for constipation.
Elsewhere 22 claim £9,500 because they have a “food intolerance” and 21 were linked to “bedwetting”.
A DWP spokesman said: “We have been clear that the current welfare system is broken and needs reform so it is fairer on the taxpayer and helps long-term sick and disabled people who can work to find employment, whilst ensuring it provides support for those who need it most.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to deliver a spring statement on March 26 against the background of a faltering economy and drastically reduced headroom against the debt rules she set herself in October.
Number 10 has denied that the plans are purely as a result of the UK’s difficult fiscal situation.
“I think the Prime Minister has been clear there is both a moral and an economic case for fixing our broken social security system that’s holding our people back, and our country back,” the Prime Minister’s official spokesman told reporters.
“That is why tomorrow the Government will set out plans to overhaul the health and disability benefits system so it supports those who can work to do so, while protecting those who are most in need, and put the welfare system back on a more sustainable path.”
What is PIP and who is eligible?
HOUSEHOLDS suffering from a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition can get extra help through personal independence payments (PIP).
The maximum you can receive from the Government benefit is £184.30 a week.
PIP is for those over 16 and under the state pension age, currently 66.
Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around – or both – for three months, and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you’re terminally ill with less than 12 months to live).
You can also claim PIP if you’re in or out of work and if you’re already getting limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) payments if you claim Universal Credit.
PIP is made up of two parts and whether you get one or both of these depends on how severely your condition affects you.
You may get the mobility part of PIP if you need help going out or moving around. The weekly rate for this is either £28.70 or £75.75.
On the daily living part of PIP, the weekly rate is either £72.65 or £105.55 – and you could get both elements, so up to £184.30 in total.
You can claim PIP at the same time as other benefits, except the armed forces independence payment.
