Thousands of British expats in EU tourist hotspots cost UK taxpayers £10m a year after claiming disability benefits

More than 2,000 British nationals who have relocated to European destinations are costing UK taxpayers £10million a year from receiving disability payments.

The number of expats claiming Personal Independence Payment while residing abroad has surged by 86 per cent from pre-pandemic levels.

The number has risen from 1,203 recipients to 2,244.

This arrangement, dubbed the "Costa Del Dole" rule, permits Britons living on the continent to access PIP whilst enjoying life in overseas villas and resort areas.

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Some of the most popular destinations include Spain, Italy, Portugal and France.

The Department for Work and Pensions could be spending up to £10million annually to support the daily living expenses of these claimants based in sunny European locations.

Among those receiving payments, musculoskeletal conditions account for the largest proportion, with 1,001 claimants citing such ailments.

Psychiatric disorders represent the second most common category, with 414 individuals approved for mental health-related support.

A further 79 recipients are claiming for hearing and visual impairments, whilst 60 expats receive assistance for respiratory conditions.

To qualify for these payments whilst living overseas, British citizens residing in European Economic Area nations or Switzerland must demonstrate a "genuine and sufficient link" to the UK.

This connection can be established through various means, such as receiving a UK state pension following years of contributions made whilst living in Britain.

The full state pension is also paid to expats residing within the EEA.

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Due to the geographical distance involved, claimants are typically not required to travel back to Britain for in-person medical assessments.

Instead, applications are frequently processed based on telephone consultations combined with documentation from doctors practising abroad.

Critics argue that many requests are effectively approved at face value.

Expats are restricted to claiming only the "Daily Living" element of PIP, as the separate "Mobility" component is not available to those residing outside the UK since they are not travelling within Britain.

The DWP continues to provide payments of up to £114.60 per week specifically to assist overseas recipients with essential activities.

These include washing, dressing, and preparing meals at home abroad.

A DWP spokesman said: "Only a very small number of PIP claimants are currently living abroad.

"We’re fixing the broken system we inherited by creating a welfare state that works for disabled people and taxpayers and have launched the Timms Review to make sure PIP is fit and fair for the future."

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