The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on October 10 every year. The annual event is dedicated to giving everyone in the UK the opportunity to talk openly about mental health in the hopes of breaking down stigma and barriers to support, which includes accessing benefits.
Many people may not be aware that earlier this year the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced significant changes to its guidance for health professionals carrying out Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments across the UK.
The updated guidelines published on GOV.UK include details on improved guidance for assessors on the significance of whether or not a claimant with a mental health condition is receiving medication. Assessors may incorrectly interpret the fact that a claimant with, for example depression, is not receiving any medication as evidence that their condition has very little effect on their daily living or mobility needs.
