DWP disability benefit claims linked to food intolerances surge 500% as PIP applications soar

Joe Sledge
Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:42:42 +0000

Disability benefit claims for food intolerances have surged by 500 per cent over the past five years, new figures reveal.

The rise forms part of a broader pattern affecting 120 different medical conditions, all of which have seen Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applications at least double since 2021.

Among the conditions qualifying for support are writer's cramp, tennis elbow and acne.

The Sun reported that claimants with food intolerances can receive up to £114 weekly to cover the additional time required for preparing meals under specialist, GP-recommended dietary plans.

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The benefit, worth around £800 monthly at its maximum, is designed to assist those facing extra living costs due to medical conditions.

Sleep apnoea, bed-wetting and stress reaction disorders have also recorded increases in successful applications.

Former Conservative minister Sir Alec Shelbrooke criticised what he described as fraudulent claims affecting public finances.

Sir Alec said: "A food intolerance doesn't stop you from going to work."

He added: "People with no legitimate claim are ripping off the public, and the Government is letting them do so."

Payments to individuals whose disability was not recorded by officials have risen by 257 per cent.

Some 4,500 people currently receive PIP payments for obesity, while ADHD, autism and anxiety remain among the most common triggers for successful applications.

Food intolerance claimants numbered 12 in 2021, rising to 78, with costs estimated at around £1,000 per day.

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Sleep apnoea claims have increased by 317 per cent, rising from 869 to 3,626 recipients over the same period.

Anxiety-related payments have risen by 268 per cent, with 37,691 people receiving support compared to 10,229 five years ago.

ADHD claims have increased by 193 per cent, climbing from 32,382 to 94,753 recipients.

Autism-related applications have risen by 157 per cent, with 217,612 people now claiming compared to 84,379 in 2021.

Bed-wetting claims have increased from 19 to 46 recipients.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said: "We are fixing the broken system we inherited, delivering more personalised support to help people into work, and bringing in reforms to save nearly £2billion this parliament."

The department added that these claims represent a small proportion of overall PIP applications and began rising several years ago.

The figures come as Britain's annual welfare expenditure of £333billion has surpassed Treasury revenues from income tax for the first time.

An independent review into PIP has been commissioned by the Government to assess potential savings options.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has indicated that welfare reductions may be required to support increased defence spending.

The review is expected to report in the autumn, with potential changes under consideration.