Benefits

Money - coins and notesClaiming all the benefits you are entitled to is important to make sure you have enough money to live on.

The welfare benefits system is complicated and the regulations change frequently, so most families need expert help and advice if they are to receive their full entitlements.

0300 5000 927 & advice@rethink.org - our advice team provide mental health information & advice on practical problems from Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm.

There are many different types of benefits and whether you are eligible for them will depend on different  factors such as your income, capital, national insurance contributions and overall household circumstances.

Claiming benefits can be confusing and lots of people find it useful to get specialist advice. As well as mental health organisations, Citizens Advice or other local advice centres should be able to help.

Some of the application forms are very long and it takes time & patience to fill them in. Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) staff who check these forms often have little experience of mental health problems so it is important for each answer to be given carefully and with sufficient detail.

Employment and Support Allowance

Since 27th October 2008 if you are unable to work due to ill health you can make a claim for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). This benefit replaces Incapacity Benefit (IB) and Income Support (IS) based on incapacity and Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA).

When you apply for ESA you will be assessed to see how your illness or disability affects your ability to work and carry out everyday tasks. This is called a Work Capability Assessment.

If you have been receiving IB, IS on the grounds of incapacity or SDA this will continue to be paid, however the DWP are hoping to move everyone over to ESA gradually.

You can get more detailed information about ESA in our Employment and Support Allowance section.

Disability Living Allowance

Many people with mental illness receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) which is paid in addition to other benefits regardless of capital. It is paid to people who have difficulty in going out alone - the mobility component; and/or who need help with personal care - the care component.

The application form is very long and your relative would probably benefit from getting help with its completion.

Visit our Disability Living Allowance page for more detailed information.

Carer's Allowance

Women chatting, Ealing Carers Support

As a carer, you might also qualify for Carer's Allowance, or perhaps an extra amount of Employment Support Allowance called a “carer's premium”. The rules are complex and expert advice is usually needed.

More information about this benefit can be found in our Carer's Allowance section.

Housing and Council Tax Benefit

If you or your relative is on a low income, there is help available to help pay rent (Housing Benefit) or Council tax (Council Tax Benefit). These benefits are available from the local authority rather than the Department of Work and Pensions. They are reduced if the claimant has more than a certain amount of savings and stop if the savings exceed a certain amount.

Help with health costs

Help with the cost of prescriptions may also be available. These are free for people receiving Income Support or Employment Support Allowance (income related) or Pension Credit and are at a reduced rate to people on a low income.

Rethink Advice and Information Service Factsheets

The Rethink Advice and Information Service produces information on issues related to mental illness. You can find their factsheets in our Mental Health Shop. 

The following factsheets may also be of use to you: