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The Department for Work and Pensions has released new statistics regarding the number of individuals claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) across various constituencies in England and Wales. Notably, Welsh constituencies feature prominently in this data, with four of them ranking among the top ten areas with the highest rates of working-age adults claiming PIP.
Personal Independence Payments are designed to support those with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities, aiding them in managing additional living costs with payments that can reach up to £194.60 weekly.
According to an analysis by the Press Association, the constituencies of Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney, Aberafan Maesteg, Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare, and Rhondda & Ogmore have been identified as having significant rates of PIP claims among working-age adults, defined as those aged 16 to 64. Specifically, in these areas, at least one in six working-age adults are currently claiming the benefit.
Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney is reported to have the third highest rate in England and Wales, with 17.2% of working-age adults claiming PIP. Only Liverpool Walton and Easington had higher percentages. Other Welsh constituencies making the list include Aberafan Maesteg, with a claim rate of 16.7%, and Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare at 15.7%. Rhondda & Ogmore follows closely with a rate of 15.3%.
In contrast, Cardiff South & Penarth holds the lowest percentage of working-age adults claiming PIP, at 6.6%.
The following is a summary of Welsh constituencies ranked by the proportion of working-age adults claiming PIP as of July 31, 2026:
1. Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney (Labour): 17.2% (10,157 claimants) 2. Aberafan Maesteg (Labour): 16.7% (9,386 claimants) 3. Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare (Labour): 15.7% (9,692 claimants) 4. Rhondda & Ogmore (Labour): 15.3% (9,609 claimants) 5. Clwyd North (Labour): 14.8% (8,614 claimants) 6. Llanelli (Labour): 14.2% (8,065 claimants) 7. Torfaen (Labour): 14.0% (8,003 claimants) 8. Caerphilly (Labour): 14.0% (8,312 claimants) 9. Neath & Swansea East (Labour): 13.5% (8,619 claimants) 10. Swansea West (Labour): 12.8% (9,627 claimants)
Other constituencies, including Cardiff West and Ynys Mon, show lower percentages in PIP claims, with Cardiff South & Penarth at the bottom of the list.
This data highlights the levels of financial support individuals in these communities are receiving through PIP, reflecting the broader social and economic challenges faced by working-age adults in these regions.
