Post-Covid Mental Health Crisis Drives Surge in Disability Benefit Claims

Over half of the rise in disability benefits since 2019 is attributed to mental health conditions, with government reforms and increased NHS demand highlighting the growing crisis.

The number of working-age adults claiming disability benefits in England and Wales has risen from 2 million in 2019 to 2.9 million in 2024, with over 500,000 citing mental health as their primary condition.
Mental health conditions now account for 44% of disability benefit claims, up from 25% in 2002, reflecting a significant post-pandemic deterioration in population mental health.
Government spending on health-related benefits has increased by £12 billion since 2019, reaching £48 billion in 2023, and is projected to rise further by the end of the decade.
Deaths related to alcohol, drugs, and suicide—often referred to as 'deaths of despair'—have increased by 24% compared to pre-pandemic levels, with 3,700 additional deaths in 2023 alone.
The government is planning welfare reforms, including reassessing claims, while also committing to recruit 8,500 additional mental health workers to address rising demand for NHS services.