Maximus, the US-based firm responsible for assessing disability benefits eligibility in the UK, has reported a 23% increase in pre-tax profits, rising to £29.1 million for the financial year ending in September. This increase occurred despite growing criticism over the fairness and accessibility of the disability benefits assessment process.
Operating as the UK’s largest provider of functional assessment services for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Maximus plays a central role in evaluating eligibility for key welfare programs, including Universal Credit and the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The company recently secured a five-year contract with the UK government valued at £800 million, with the option to extend.
Charities and advocacy groups have raised serious concerns. The national disability charity Sense highlighted that many people with complex needs experience the assessment process as humiliating and report inadequate communication support. They called for enforceable standards and financial penalties for providers who fail to meet accessibility requirements.
Amid these concerns, Maximus maintains that it is committed to delivering respectful and sensitive assessments. The company has cited investments in training and accessibility improvements as part of its ongoing service enhancements.
As government reforms to reduce benefits eligibility loom, advocacy groups fear that millions may lose critical financial support. With public scrutiny intensifying, the spotlight remains firmly on the need for a benefits system that upholds dignity and justice for disabled individuals.