There are many benefits you may be entitled to if you have a mental health problem.
Mental health problems are finally being taken as seriously as physical ailments. The mental health charity Mind estimates that one in every four people will experience at least one mental health problem each year.
For some, their mental health problems require a complete overhaul of daily life. Even the more common mental health issues such as anxiety and depression - which all saw a sharp rise in cases during the pandemic - can seriously impede a person's ability to live and work.
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Yet, there is help available and Citizens Advice have issued guidance on what shape this help may take.
Universal credit
Those who aren't fit to work, or those who are working less hours, or working in lower paid work, because of their mental health problems are eligible to apply to the DWP for universal credit. A sick note or a "fit note" must be obtained from a medical professional before the application.
You can find out more about how to make a claim to universal credit on the Citizens Advice website here.
Personal Independence Payment
If you struggle with the demands of daily life, such as washing, eating and cooking, because of your mental health you may be eligible for personal independence payment or PIP as it is better known. PIP isn't means-testes and won't be affected by current income or savings.
You can find more on PIP here.
Statutory sick pay (SSP)
If you are too unwell to work because of your mental health you could be paid for up to 28 weeks. You are legally entitled to received SSP if you pass the following requirements:
- You have started to work with your employer
- You are sick for 4 full days (including non-working days) or more in a row
- You earn at least £123 before tax per week on average
- You follow your employer's rules for getting sick pay
- You are not in one or more of these ineligible categories
Citizens Advice say that no one should be made to feel guilty for asking about sick pay that you're entitled to. If you receive a "no" and are not happy with your employer's explanation, you can contact your nearest Citizens Advice here.
Employment and support allowance (ESA)
Citizens Advice called ESA "the main sickness benefit for people who can't work because of a [phyiscal or mental] health problem." ESA is paid when statutory sick pay ends, or if you are not eligible for SSP. You must have paid enough national insurance contributions for two tax years, however there are ways to circumnavigate this slightly.
More details on this are available on the Citizens Advice website.
Council tax reduction
If you are on a low income, due to issues related to poor mental health or otherwise, you can apply for a council tax reduction. Further details can be found on the website of your local council, or via Citizens Advice here.
Attendance allowance
There are benefits to help you support yourself or someone you know if they are pension age or over and suffering from poor mental health which is making it difficult to do daily tasks. Attendance allowance is extra money to help pay for your care needs.
You can find more on attendance allowance here.
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