According to figures, the monthly average of new PIP awards where the primary medical condition was anxiety and depression increased to 8,800 per month in 2024
PIP is provided to people who have a long-term physical or mental health condition(Image: Getty Images)
People living with stress, anxiety or depression may be able to get thousands of pounds in financial support from the Government. The help could come through Personal Independence Payments, which are provided to those who have a long-term physical or mental health condition.
New research commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) found that at the end of July 2024, 3.6 million people were entitled to PIP in England and Wales. At the time, this represented a 29% increase in the number of claimants since July 2021 (2.8m).
DWP reports that mental health conditions and behavioural disorders have been a primary driver of the increase in the number of working age people claiming PIP. The monthly average of new PIP awards where the primary medical condition was anxiety and depression has increased from 2,500 per month in 2019, to 8,800 per month in 2024, reports the Daily Record.
At the end of April 2025, there were more than 3.7m people in receipt of PIP. That figure includes 1,444,016 people receiving financial support for ‘Psychiatric disorders’. This is the main disabling descriptor used by the DWP and it covers anxiety and mood disorders, stress reactions and depressive disorders, along with a wide range of other conditions that may affect someone’s mental wellbeing.
However, that figure does not include new or existing claimants living in Scotland in receipt of Adult Disability Payment (ADP). The devolved disability payment has now replaced all new claims for PIP made north of the border.
PIP provides financial support of between £29.20 and £187.45 per week to adults with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition who need help completing daily tasks or moving around. This means you could claim up to £750 per month. If you need additional support to cover the costs of daily living or mobility needs due to a mental health condition, it may be worthwhile considering making a new claim for PIP.
More information about PIP and how it works is available here. The Government website also has details about eligibility criteria.
PIP payment rates
You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks.
PIP is made up of two components:
Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.
You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
Daily livingStandard rate: £73.90Enhanced rate: £110.40MobilityStandard rate: £29.20Enhanced rate: £77.05