Brits living with depression, anxiety or stress could be entitled to cash
Britons living with a range of mental health conditions could be eligible for financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Those suffering from stress, anxiety or depression might not realise they could qualify for Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
According to research commissioned by the DWP, as of July 2024, PIP was being received by 3.6 million people across England and Wales. This represents a 29 per cent increase in claimants compared to July 2021, when the figure stood at 2.8 million.
The surge in working-age people claiming PIP has been primarily driven by mental health conditions and behavioural disorders, according to DWP data. The monthly average of new PIP awards where anxiety and depression were the main medical conditions increased from 2,500 per month in 2019 to 8,800 per month in 2024.
By April 2025, over 3.7 million people were receiving PIP, including 1,444,016 individuals who were getting financial assistance for “psychiatric disorders”.
This category, used by the DWP, includes anxiety and mood disorders, stress and depressive disorders, among many other conditions that could affect someone’s mental wellness. However, this number does not include new or existing claimants in Scotland who are receiving Adult Disability Payment (ADP), reports the Express.
PIP provides additional financial support, ranging from £29.20 to £187.45 per week, to adults with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition who require assistance with daily tasks or mobility.
If you need extra help to cover the costs of daily living or mobility due to a mental health condition, it might be worth considering making a new claim for PIP.
Who may be eligible?
To qualify for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:
Have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months
Expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months
typically need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply
The DWP will assess how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks:
- Preparing, cooking or eating food
- Managing your medication
- Washing, bathing or using the toilet
- Dressing and undressing
- Engaging and communicating with other people
- Reading and understanding written information
- Making decisions about money
- Planning a journey or following a route
- Moving around
For each task they will consider:
- Whether you can do it safely
- How long it takes you
- How often your condition affects this activity
- Whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment
How is PIP paid?
PIP is typically paid every four weeks, with the exception of those who are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. Money is paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
How does the assessment work?
You will need to undergo an assessment to determine the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the correct support.
An independent healthcare professional will evaluate your needs to help the DWP determine what level of financial support, if any, you require.
Health-related benefits consultations can take various forms – face-to-face, video calls, telephone or paper-based assessments. It’s important to note that the health professional and DWP decide which type of assessment is most suitable for each claimant.
To start a new claim for PIP, you should contact the DWP. All the required information to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
