The number of people receiving disability benefits has gone up by almost half a million in a year, new figures show.
As of August, 4.8 million people were claiming welfare to support them through a disability in England and Wales.
This represents an increase of 450,000 in the year up to August, the Government said.
Taking Scotland into consideration – where disability benefits are in the process of being devolved – the total number reaches close to five million.
Disability benefits are welfare payments to support someone living with a health condition or disability. They are not means tested or based on whether someone is in work.
The Government is grappling with how to reform the system and reduce the billions of pounds spent on such benefits.
According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, spending on working-age health-related benefits rose from £36bn in 2019–20 to £48bn in 2023–24 – and is projected to rise to even further, to more than £60bn, by 2029.
The Labour Government, following in the footsteps of the Tory administration before it, has promised to bring spending down – but caseloads continue to rise.
According to the Department for Work and Pensions, 3.5 million people were claiming personal independence payment (PIP) in 2024. This represents a rise of 400,000 (13 per cent) between August 2023 and August last year.
PIP helps people with extra living costs if they have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability, and have difficulty doing everyday tasks or getting around.
An additional 1.3m people were claiming disability living allowance, which applies to those under 16 years old. Claims for DLA rose by 51,000 from August 2023 to August last year.
The latest welfare figures also show an increase in those claiming out-of-work benefits without any obligation to look for employment – with 3.1m not required to take steps to move into the job market.
A total of 7.5m people were on universal credit in January 2025, up from 6.4m the previous year. The majority of these are either required to look for work or are already in some form of employment. Some 37 per cent were in employment in December 2024.
However, the Government said the proportion of people in the “no work requirements” conditionality regime now stands at 42 per cent and continues to increase.
Those who are not expected to work are exempted due to a health issue or caring responsibility.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has said she intends to overhaul health and disability benefits.
She has pledged to bring down the cost to taxpayers and will also consult on changing out-of-work health benefits to encourage into employment those currently locked out of the workforce.
She is expected to set out these reforms in spring, with the Government saying it will ensure the system supports people who can work to remain in or start employment.
Ministers have hinted the Government will look to cut costs by reforming the work capability assessment (WCA) process and reducing the number of people who are able to claim welfare without having to look for work.
A DWP spokesperson said: “We have been clear that the current welfare system needs reform, so it is fairer on the taxpayer and people can get the support they need to move into employment.
“Building on our Get Britain Working White Paper, we will bring forward proposals for reforming the health and disability benefits system within weeks. This will be part of a proper plan to help disabled people who can work secure employment while ensuring support is provided for those who need it.”
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