Millions of people suffering from mental health issues may be eligible to claim benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
These can help you pay for day-to-day costs such as food, rent and childcare. Some benefits are available even if you are currently working.
Critics have hit out the new Conservative Government mini-budget announced by Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng last week.
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Some say lower earners and the most vulnerable in society are the biggest losers. And it's more important than ever for people to know what they are entitled to if they suffer from mental health problems, as Coventry Live reports.
Mental health charity Mind said: "We know it's hard to access benefits. Often the media, or other people's views, makes it feel like there's a stigma attached to benefits"
However, the reality millions are facing this year is that claiming benefits is a necessity to get through the hardest winter many have faced in their lives. The charity continued: "For many of us with mental health problems, it can feel like the whole benefits system isn't designed to meet our needs.
"But it's important to know that benefits are there to support you. You have a right to claim them if you’re struggling to manage or just need that bit extra."
You may be able to successfully claim for several DWP benefits if you have mental health problems.
According to Mental Health and Money Advice, if you live in England with a mental health condition and are struggling with money, you may be able to claim one or more of the following welfare benefits:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Council tax reductions, exemptions, and support to pay
- Sick pay for a mental health illness
- Housing benefit
- Jobseeker's Allowance
- Working Tax Credits
- Support for Mortgage Interest
- Attendance Allowance
- Cold weather payment
A detailed list of which benefits are best for you are how to apply is available here. Around one in four people in the UK suffer from mental health problems every year.
If you need help or just want to chat, Mind recommends the following courses of action:
- Talk to a trusted family member or friend
- Speak to a support worker or health professional, like your GP
- Access peer support. This is where people use their own experiences to help each other
- Contact the Samaritans. Money worries can make you feel trapped and hopeless. If you're finding it difficult to see a way forward, you can talk to Samaritans for free by calling 116 123
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