Getting the right benefits and getting work

It’s also important to check that you are getting the benefits that you’re entitled to.
A review of Disability Living Allowance recently reported that 18% of people were not receiving as much money as they should be, so it’s definitely worth checking. The benefits system is, however, very complicated and often people in Department for Work and Pensions offices do not have much knowledge of mental illness, so it’s worth getting as much help as you possibly can.

Many people with mental illness want to work and people with mental illness who do work often find it satisfying – it is often an important step along their road to recovery. Even if you’ve been unemployed for a long time, it is possible to try some work without losing the benefits you receive. There are now some benefits specifically aimed at people who want to try working again – make sure you know how to apply for them.

The rules for benefits and how much work you can do while claiming benefits are liable to change, so the information contained here is intended as a guide only.

Further information