Are there any mental health benefits?

Holyguidence

Dear Debbie, 

I have several serious long term health conditions and I get ESA, PIP but since past year I am under the mental health and had treatment. Could you please advice if I am eligible for a mental health benefits if they exist! I am suffering with depression and anxiety since long time. I look forward to your reply. 

Kind regards

mikehughescq

You are on the two relevant benefits. There's nothing specific for mental health. So the issue now is whether you're in the ESA Support Group and whether your rates of PIP are correct.

BenefitsTrainingCo

Holyguidence - MIke's advice is spot on. You are claiming the 2 benefits which would apply if you are unable to work, or have extra needs at home or out and about, because of your mental health. 

Having treatment for mental health doesn't necessarily make any difference to your entitlement. However, if you think you've got worse, you could consider whether:

you should be in the support group for ESA if you're not already 

you should be getting a higher rate of PIP.

Both benefits are points-based. Unfortunately if you ask the DWP for a change like this, you are likely to be called for a new medical assessment, unless you have very good medical evidence (eg from a consultant) - and even then, you might still have to be assessed. 

If you're struggling financially, you could use the benefits calculator to check you are not missing out on anything else (for example, council tax support). 

Will