Disability Benefit Claims for ADHD Surge in the UK as Payments Hit Record Highs

Newly released data from the Department for Work and Pensions reveals that claims for disability benefits linked to ADHD have risen sharply over the past year. The number of individuals claiming support for hyperkinetic disorder increased by 20 percent, climbing from 75722 to 91211 in the year to October. This marks ADHD as one of the fastest rising primary disabling conditions identified by the department.

The surge in claims comes after political resistance led to a government reversal on proposals to cut disability and sickness benefits. Personal Independence Payments, which offer financial assistance of up to £9747 annually for those with additional care or mobility needs, are now being awarded to more people citing ADHD as their main condition. Official data states that 41356 people with ADHD received the maximum award, which includes enhanced help for mobility. This typically indicates significant movement restrictions or an inability to independently plan and undertake journeys over 200 metres.

Claims are not restricted to ADHD; awards linked to anxiety, depression, and stress have also seen substantial growth. Of the nearly 3.9 million PIP claimants, approximately 700000 now receive welfare due to these mental health conditions. A quarter of these claimants receive the highest rate of support, reflecting the increasing impact of mental health issues on the welfare system.

The number of children under 16 claiming Disability Living Allowance in connection to ADHD has also climbed, reaching 78000. This increase among younger claimants reflects a broader trend toward rising disability welfare claims across age groups.

Social media has played a notable role in recent developments. Growing numbers of users are sharing advice on claiming disability benefits online, contributing to the acceleration of new applications. This has contributed to public debate about whether some recipients have appropriate access to state support.

The long-term fiscal implications are significant. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts disability benefit spending will rise by 44 percent to £65.3 billion before 2030. Rising unemployment, now at its highest rate in four years at 5.1 percent, and an increase in Universal Credit claimants—now at almost 8.4 million—are amplifying pressures on the welfare budget. There are record numbers of individuals with no requirement to seek work, including over 300000 under-25s, while payroll figures for this group have continued to decline. Policy experts are urging the government to implement stronger youth employment initiatives in response to these trends.