Health and Disability benefits based on data from 2019 to 2022
Published 20 July 2023
© Crown copyright 2023
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/health-and-disability-benefits-based-on-data-from-2019-to-2022/health-and-disability-benefits-based-on-data-from-2019-to-2022
1. Main headlines
Table 1 in the accompanying data tables shows a breakdown of the overall disability and incapacity benefit caseloads in England and Wales. The figures show that 1.3m of the 1.8m claimants in the Universal Credit (UC) Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Support Group also have a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claim in payment (71%). This is based on November 2022 data.
Where people are in the UC LCWRA or ESA Support Group and do not have a PIP or DLA claim, the figures show that, of the claimants in this position in February 2019, around 20% had moved off ESA or the UC Health Journey by November 2022. A further 29% remained on ESA or the UC Health Journey and by November 2022 had PIP in payment. (See table 2 in the data tables for additional details).
2. Background
This ad hoc statistical release has been published to provide transparency on the latest volumes of people receiving combinations of health and disability benefits.
Transforming Support: The Health and Disability White Paper published in March 2023 announced plans to reform health support in the benefit system. This includes plans to remove the Work Capability Assessment for Universal Credit claimants, and instead provide a health top up based on their receipt of Personal Independence Payment.
The ad hoc statistical release aims to provide sufficient granularity to identify the key groups of claimants within scope of the reform based on recent caseload data.
3. About these statistics
These figures are a snapshot for November 2022 and do not reflect what will be the caseload in 2026/27 when we expect to begin rolling out the reform, initially to new claimants. We expect the new claims roll out to be completed by 2029, when we will move the existing caseload onto the new system.
The data in this publication has been compiled using administrative data extracts that contain information around which benefit combinations claimants are receiving. There may be differences to other departmental data publications due to definitional or methodological differences, but the effect of these is unlikely to be material.
The data is for England and Wales and those living overseas, and only includes claimants aged 16 to 65. Data for Scotland is not included as PIP and DLA are being replaced by the Adult Disability Payment, which is the responsibility of the Scottish Government.
All numbers are rounded to nearest 100, and totals may not sum due to rounding.
4. Statement of compliance with the Code of Practice for Statistics
The Code of Practice for Statistics (the Code) is built around 3 main concepts, or pillars:
- trustworthiness – is about having confidence in the people and organisations that publish statistics
- quality – is about using data and methods that produce statistics
- value – is about publishing statistics that support society’s needs
The following explains how we have applied the pillars of the Code in a proportionate way.
4.1 Trustworthiness
The figures were created following the publication of the Health and Disability White Paper (March 2023). They are being published now to give equal access to all those with an interest in them.
4.2 Quality
The data which underpins this information is taken directly from the Department for Work and Pensions administrative datasets. The analysis has undergone review by analysts. The methodology and calculations have been quality assured by DWP analysts to ensure they are the best estimates using information available at the time.
4.3 Value
Releasing this information serves the public interest by providing the granularity needed to answer questions around the volume of claimants on incapacity and disability benefits.
5. Further information and feedback
Lead Analyst: Shaun Butcher
Analysts: D Wynne and T Stewart
Contact DWP Press Office if you have any questions or feedback.