The coronavirus pandemic and rising costs of living have led to hardship for millions of people in the UK. Around 1.6 million of us are on the NHS waiting list for specialist mental health services while an additional eight million are awaiting support for other mental health problems.
Rising costs of energy, fuel, supermarket prices and other household expenses like council tax have heightened the financial burden for families in recent months, leaving many wondering how they will meet their bills. The Express reports that as the UK moves slowly out of the pandemic, 17% of people are struggling with moderate to severe depression according to an ONS survey.
Thankfully there are a range of benefits you might be able to claim if you suffer from physical or mental conditions, including depression or anxiety. In fact, many could be eligible for hundreds of pounds every month depending on the condition they have.
Read more: The muscle or joint conditions which mean you can claim up to £156 in PIP every week from DWP
What benefits can I get if I have a mental health condition?
Paul Brennan from Benefit Answers has explained what financial support is available from the Department for Work and Pensions for people suffering with their mental health. He said: "If you're unable to work as a result of depression, you may be eligible for a range of benefits - depending on your circumstances - including statutory sick pay and employment and support allowance (ESA).
"Those eligible for ESA may be entitled to weekly payments of up to £74.40 as long as they have paid enough National Insurance (NI) contributions at the right rate and the right time - but there is also a means-tested type for those without enough NI."
Also available are personal independence payments (PIP), which is given to claimants who qualify for additional financial assistance if they have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. It's estimated that around 2.7 million people in the UK are currently receiving the payments.
"The personal independence payment is an award for anyone suffering from a serious or long-term illness that has a significant impact on their daily lives - and severe depression or anxiety can apply to this," Mr Brennan added.
"If you’re eligible, you may be entitled to monthly payouts of anywhere between £92 and £627. For most benefits, you’ll have to fill in a form before you’re able to receive any money." You can find out more about the conditions that qualify for PIP here.
"Some forms will ask for evidence such as photographs as proof of address. Benefit Answers and various mental health charities can look over a draft or help you fill out the entire form.”
People in the UK who have difficulty cooking food or managing their medication should qualify for this financial help, and they could also be eligible for the disability benefit if they have difficulty engaging and communicating with other people or reading and understanding written information.
I am not on medication for mental health - does this mean I won't qualify?
Not necessarily - in fact, this has something which has recently been changed by the UK Government. The DWP recently confirmed that it is changing the way it assesses people with mental health conditions.
On the Gov.uk website it says: "When considering mental health medication HPs [health professionals] should remember that not all claimants with a mental health condition will be on medication or receiving therapy. Absence of medication does not automatically mean that the health condition is not severe.”
When applying for benefits, you will be asked for information on your circumstances, including income, health issues, family members in your household and details about the severity of your condition and how it affects you. How this is done will depend on which benefit you are trying to claim, but you can find out more about statutory sick pay here, or read more about applying for ESA here. You can find out more about PIP here.
