Mental or Behavioral Disorders Account for Over Two-Thirds of Benefits Assessments
Approximately 1.4 million (69 percent) of individuals receiving Universal Credit were assessed to have limited capacity for work and work-related activities.
Government statistics revealed that over two-thirds of benefits assessments indicated behavioral and mental disorders, affecting individuals with health conditions or disabilities that limit their ability to work.
The proportion of individuals with mental and behavioral disorders was lower for those deemed capable for work (55 percent) and higher for those found to have limited capability for work (90 percent) in the Universal Credit health’s caseload.
DWP explained that individuals may have multiple recorded health conditions, including mental and behavioral disorders, in Universal Credit assessments, as claimants often have complex health issues.
Unlike its predecessor, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit health assessments do not focus on a primary health condition but encompass all recorded medical conditions.
The second-highest recorded condition was diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, affecting 610,000 individuals or 48 percent.
Universal Credit is a payment program designed to assist individuals with living costs who are on a low income, unemployed, or unable to work. It was gradually introduced in 2013 to replace six other benefits and tax credits.
Two Million People on Universal Credit Health
DWP data also indicated that by December 2023, two million individuals were on Universal Credit health across England, Scotland, and Wales, constituting 31 percent of all Universal Credit recipients and marking a 4 percent increase from December 2022.
