Brief
Teenagers account for a third of recent PIP claimants with anxiety
Press Association data shows 7,403 of 24,681 recent anxiety‑related PIP claimants are aged 16‑24, while experts say the figures may under‑represent complexity.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Research released by the Press Association, based on Department for Work & Pensions data, shows that teenagers and young adults represent nearly one‑third of recent Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants whose primary condition is anxiety disorder. The analysis covers 24,681 claimants who have received the benefit for up to two years as of the end of July 2026.
What the numbers reveal
Of the 24,681 recent claimants, 7,403 (30%) are aged 16‑24, and a further 5,445 (22%) are aged 25‑34, meaning more than half of the new anxiety‑related claimants are under 35. Older age groups make up smaller shares: 3,391 claimants (14%) are aged 45‑54, 2,649 (11%) are 55‑64, and only 438 (2%) are 65 or over. Claimants aged 35‑44 account for 5,350 (22%). Overall, 72,195 people are listed as having anxiety disorder as their primary condition as of 31 July 2026, including the 24,681 recent claimants.
Types of anxiety covered
The category includes panic disorder, characterised by sudden attacks of fear, and social phobias, defined by the NHS as a long‑term overwhelming fear of social situations. The data do not break down the specific anxiety sub‑types among claimants.
Expert commentary
Consultant psychiatrist Dr Jed Boardman, lead for social inclusion at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, told the Press Association that the official statistics likely "don’t tell the whole story" because many claimants have multiple disabling conditions, including mental and physical health symptoms and autism. He warned that the diagnostic figures may be misleading, noting that some claimants are recorded with social anxiety as their primary condition even when other factors are present.
How PIP works
PIP is the main benefit for people with long‑term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities, intended to help with extra living costs. Claimants can receive PIP even if they are working, have savings, or receive other benefits, and can start claiming from age 16. The Press Association analysis draws on the latest DWP data published for July 2026.
Key facts
- 7,403 of 24,681 recent anxiety‑related PIP claimants are aged 16‑24 (30%). (standard.co.uk)
- A further 5,445 claimants (22%) are aged 25‑34. (standard.co.uk)
- Overall, 72,195 people are listed with anxiety disorder as their primary condition as of 31 July 2026. (standard.co.uk)
- Dr Jed Boardman says the statistics may miss multiple disabling conditions and can be misleading. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Young people make up largest proportion of recent Pip claimants for anxiety”
