EXCL: More than 120,000 teenagers with autism, ADHD and depression are claiming disability benefits at a cost to the taxpayer of more than £1bn a year The £1bn welfare bill is more than enough to pay for at least six counselling sessions for each of the 442,000 children waiting to be seen by NHS mental health services Data obtained by the inquiry shows 127,600 teenagers aged 16 to 19 claimed personal independence payments for these conditions in the past year. The average payment is £169 a week, or £8,800 a year, but payments can be worth up to £194 a week, or £10,119 a year Ministers are concerned the welfare bill is rising in part due to the NHS’s inability to keep pace with the mental health caseload, within a system that gives cash without any obligation for the state to provide — or the claimant to accept — the necessary support One former DWP minister said this was “one of many problems” with the welfare system, adding: “These kids want help, but they are getting cash instead. The money we’re spending could actually get them the treatment they need, and do so quickly. But we can’t say what they should spend it on, the DWP doesn’t provide therapy and the NHS can’t fast-track welfare claimants. So these young people are falling down a gap in the system.” Day 2 of @thetimes Welfare Inquiry with @MillieBrigaud 📰