Astonished by the number of PIP claimants!

Some of them will be on NHS waiting lists for treatment.
Some will have been living in poverty, which affects health.
Some would have died at birth or in early childhood in the past but are now living much longer thanks to medical advances, lots of different reasons really.

The number is very high. There was an interesting report by the Resolution Foundation looking at the reasons why it has increased so much. These included the increase in the State Pension Age, poorer health, longer PIP awards, increased awareness of PIP and a fall in the value of other benefits. I know a number of people who some years ago would have been entitled to PIP but wouldn't have applied as they were OK financially. They have claimed in order to cover the increased cost of utilities, rent etc.