A safety net that isn't working

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is meant to be a safety net for people living with mental illness, offering vital support when life feels toughest. But for too many, the system is failing to deliver on its promise.

Our latest report shines a light on the reality of PIP for people with mental health conditions – the good, the bad, and the urgent need for change.

Key findings of our report

When PIP works

Provides financial stability and helps people avoid crisis
PIP can be a huge support for people facing a crisis. Benefit rates remain low relative to rising living costs, despite the increase introduced through the Universal Credit Act 2025, and many people living with mental illness are unable to work regularly or are in low-paid, insecure employment.

PIP plays a preventative role: helping people cover additional and essential costs, manage budgets, reduce or avoid debt, and ease financial stress that would otherwise exacerbate mental illness and increase the likelihood of crisis. The payment offers a sense of security, helping people manage the unpredictable nature of their condition.

Enables access to care, housing and daily living needs
With PIP, people can afford essentials like transport, home adaptations, and safe housing. It also helps cover the costs of therapy, medication, and support services that are often out of reach otherwise. This support is a lifeline, making it possible to focus on recovery rather than survival.

Builds confidence through access to meaningful activity
People we spoke to who access PIP and live with mental illness said the financial security provided by PIP can reduce the pressure to return to work before they were ready, allowing them to build confidence through volunteering, education, and other forms of meaningful activity. These opportunities were often described as important steps towards recovery and as helping to restore a sense of hope for the future.

Supports independence, dignity and participation
PIP enables people to make choices, maintain independence, and take part in everyday life. Whether it’s getting to appointments, staying connected with family and friends, or simply having the freedom to make decisions, PIP helps people live with greater autonomy.

Why PIP matters for mental health

PIP provides a financial foundation for recovery and stability. It helps people manage the additional costs associated with living with a mental illness and provides greater financial security, particularly during the cost of living crisis.  By being able to access therapy, support, transport and meaningful activities, people are likely to stay connected, make choices, and participate in society. For many, PIP is the difference between isolation and inclusion.

The problems with the current system

The assessment does not reflect the reality of living with mental illness

Assessments ignore emotional and mental effort
The current assessment process focuses on whether tasks can be completed, not the mental and emotional energy it takes to do them. The invisible effort involved in managing mental health and daily life is rarely recognised, leaving people feeling unseen and unsupported.

Fluctuating conditions are poorly understood
Mental health isn’t static. Symptoms can change day to day, but the system struggles to account for this. Assessments often rely on ‘average’ days, missing the reality of fluctuating conditions and the impact they have.

The lack of mental health understanding

Assessors often lack expertise
Too often, assessments are carried out by people without specialist knowledge of mental health. This leads to misunderstandings and unfair decisions.

Invisible conditions are misunderstood
Because mental illness isn’t always visible, people are frequently doubted or dismissed. The system often struggles to recognise the reality of living with an invisible condition.

Many people report feeling like they’re on trial, not being listened to, or having their experiences dismissed. This lack of trust and understanding can be deeply damaging, reinforcing stigma and discouraging people from seeking help. The process itself can be distressing, forcing people to relive their worst moments and justify their need for help.

Harmful process

Process is complex and can cause people to disengage
The PIP process is often experienced as confusing and overwhelming, especially when people are already struggling. Endless paperwork, unclear instructions, and long waits add to the stress, making it harder for people to get the support they need.

Some people felt that the nature of the process could make people disengage from it all together, which would mean missing out on support they desperately need.  Many people rely on support from others to navigate the process, while some do not have access to this kind of support, which can create additional barriers.

The Recovery Trap

The Recovery Trap is a cycle where PIP supports recovery, but evidence of improvement is then used at reassessment to justify removing the very support that made progress possible.

People avoid recovery activities
Some people stop engaging in meaningful  activities – such as volunteering, part-time work, education - that can help them recover, fearing it will be used as evidence they no longer need support.

Creates fear and instability
This trap creates anxiety and discourages people from seeking help or making progress, undermining their recovery.

Reinforces mistrust in the system
When people see support taken away as soon as they show signs of improvement, it erodes trust and makes them less likely to engage in future.

Fears of rejoining the workforce
The Right to Try regulations were introduced to give people claiming PIP greater confidence to try work or volunteering without automatically triggering a reassessment of their benefits. Despite these protections, many people still fear that engaging in work or volunteering could be used against them.

Recommendations for reform

What needs to change

Trust people and their support networks
People are the experts in their own lives. The system should trust and listen to them, and those who support them, as they are best placed to know what helps them stay well.

Recognise supported (not absolute) independence 
Independence looks different for everyone. The system should recognise that for many people, participation in daily life is only possible with the right support and resources.

Align PIP with NHS and social care systems
PIP should work hand in hand with health and social care, making it easier for people to get joined-up support.

Policy recommendations

Include mental health expertise
Every assessment should involve someone with specialist knowledge of mental health.

Reform assessments to be trauma informed
Assessments should be designed to minimise distress and recognise the impact of trauma.

Protect recovery activity (“Right to Try”)
Guarantee to cover therapeutic, educational, training, and civic activity.

Redesign descriptors to reflect lived experience
The criteria for PIP should be based on real experiences, not just theoretical tasks. It must recognise fluctuation, effort, and recovery over time rather than focusing on task completion alone. And criteria should be co-produced with people with lived experience.

Why this matters now

Rising mental health need
More people than ever are struggling with their mental health, and the demand for support is growing.

Pressure on NHS and social care
Our health and care systems are under strain. PIP can help ease this pressure by providing early support and preventing crisis.

Risk of people falling into crisis or poverty
Without reform, too many people will continue to fall through the cracks, facing poverty, isolation, and worsening health.