Two out of three people who are claiming incapacity benefits are suffering from mental health issues, according to new figures from the Department of Work & Pensions.
This is the first time these figures have been published, with previous statistics relating to disability benefit, paid to those with physical or mental health problems whether or not they can work. These latest figures relate to those who are claiming universal credit health benefits, paid to those struggling to find work.
Figures show that two million people are now claiming universal credit health benefits, an increase of 400,000 in a year.
The figure shows the extent of the mental health crisis in the uK, with more than two thirds (69 per cent) of these claims assessed as suffering from ‘mental and behavioural disorders’ – the most common medical condition cited. In contrast the next biggest cause of ill-health — MSK problems — was cited by 48 per cent of claimants. Heart disease and other circulatory problems and digestive illnesses were cited in more than 20 per cent of claims, while nervous diseases such as chronic pain and metabolic problems, such as diabetes and obesity where cited in 15 per cent of cases.
The DWP figures show that many claimants will cite more than one health conditions, with the average claim citing 2.7 conditions. DWP officiants said that this data, listing the various conditions, does not distinguish what is the primary driver of ill-health and being out of the workforce.
Other recent figures published indicate there are now 2.7m working people who are economically inactive due to long-term sickness. Meanwhile data published by the Office of National Statistics shows a rising number of mental health cases, particularly among younger people.
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