What Benefits Can I Claim for Depression and Anxiety UK

Living with depression or anxiety can make even the smallest tasks feel overwhelming. In the UK, the government recognises how deeply mental health affects your daily life and ability to work. Thankfully, there are several benefits and support schemes designed to help ease both the emotional and financial burden. This guide gently walks you through what benefits can I claim for depression and anxiety UK, how to apply, what evidence you need, and where to find extra support.

What government benefits are available for depression and anxiety in the UK?

How does the UK government support people with mental health conditions?

The UK government provides financial support to individuals whose mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety, affect their ability to live independently or maintain employment. These benefits help with daily living costs, housing, and medical needs.

The main benefits available include:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – for extra costs caused by long-term mental or physical conditions.

• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – if you can’t work due to your mental health.

• Universal Credit (UC) – if you’re on a low income or out of work.

• Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) – if you’re temporarily off work.

What types of benefits can you apply for if you have depression or anxiety?

If your mental health condition limits your ability to perform daily tasks or work, you can apply for:

• PIP (for personal independence)

• ESA (for people unable to work)

• Universal Credit (for financial support)

Dr. Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, once noted,

“Financial stability can be a foundation for recovery. When people feel supported, they’re more likely to engage with treatment and regain control over their lives.”

How do these benefits differ from physical disability benefits?

The UK benefits system recognises that mental health conditions can be just as disabling as physical ones. The difference lies in how your symptoms impact your life.

For example, someone with chronic depression might:

• Struggle to get out of bed most days.

• Forget to eat or take medication.

• Feel too anxious to go outside or interact with others.

While these may not show visible symptoms, they can severely limit your independence and ability to work.

Can I claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for depression and anxiety?

What are the eligibility criteria for PIP for mental health conditions?

To qualify for PIP (Personal Independence Payment), your depression or anxiety must have a long-term impact (lasting 12 months or more) on your daily living or mobility. The assessment looks at how your condition affects:

• Managing money

• Cooking and eating

• Personal hygiene

• Communicating

• Social interaction

How do assessors evaluate depression and anxiety in PIP applications?

During your assessment, an independent health professional evaluates how your condition impacts you day-to-day. They’ll focus on functional ability, not your diagnosis alone.

They may ask questions like:

• Do you need reminders to take medication?

• How often do you experience panic attacks?

• Do you avoid leaving the house because of anxiety?

What evidence do you need to support a PIP claim for depression or anxiety?

Strong evidence helps your case. Include:

• GP or psychiatrist reports

• Therapy or counselling notes

• Prescription history

• Personal statements describing your struggles

Tip: Be honest and specific about your challenges. Don’t downplay your symptoms—describe how your mental health affects daily living.

Can I get Universal Credit if I can’t work due to depression or anxiety?

What is the Work Capability Assessment and how does it affect your claim?

If your mental health prevents you from working, you’ll go through a Work Capability Assessment (WCA). This determines if you’re:

• Fit for work

• Limited capability for work (LCW)

• Limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA)

How much can you get on Universal Credit for mental health issues?

You may also get housing support and carer elements depending on your situation.

What happens if you’re signed off work with depression or anxiety?

If you’re employed and your GP signs you off work, you can:

1. Get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from your employer for up to 28 weeks, then

2. Apply for Universal Credit once SSP ends, or if your income drops below a certain amount.

Your fit note should clearly state your mental health condition. If your condition continues beyond your initial sick note period, your GP can extend it.

💡 Tip: Keep submitting fit notes regularly until your Work Capability Assessment is complete. Missing one may delay your claim.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to apply for Universal Credit if you have depression or anxiety

1. Go to the Universal Credit website
   Visit www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit and create an account.
   You’ll need:

   • Your National Insurance number

   • Bank details

   • Details about your income and rent

2. Complete your online application
   Explain briefly that you have a mental health condition affecting your ability to work.

3. Submit your fit note
   Upload a digital copy or post it to your Jobcentre.

4. Attend your initial phone appointment
   You’ll be assigned a work coach — let them know about your mental health so your commitments can be adjusted.

5. Wait for your UC50 form and complete it carefully
   Include examples of your struggles and supporting medical evidence.

6. Attend your Work Capability Assessment
   Be honest about how depression or anxiety impacts you — not just on good days.

7. Receive your decision and first payment
   If approved for LCWRA, you’ll receive the extra element in your monthly UC payment.

Am I eligible for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) due to mental health conditions?

What’s the difference between ‘new style’ ESA and contribution-based ESA?

There are two main types of ESA, and it’s easy to get confused. Let’s clear that up first.

If you’re applying now, you’ll most likely qualify for New Style ESA. It’s based on your National Insurance contributions, not your household income.

💡 Tip: You can claim both ESA and Universal Credit together if your income is low — but your ESA payment will reduce your UC amount slightly to prevent double payments.

How does ESA support people who can’t work because of mental illness?

ESA recognises that mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can make it impossible to maintain a regular job.
It gives you financial support while also allowing time to focus on treatment and recovery.

Here’s how it works step-by-step:

• Step 1: Get a fit note from your GP
• Step 2: Apply for ESA online or by phone
• Step 3: Complete your ESA50 form
• Step 4: Attend a Work Capability Assessment (WCA)
• Step 5: Get placed into a support group

How to transition from ESA to Universal Credit if your circumstances change?

Sometimes, people need to move from ESA to Universal Credit (UC) — for example, if they move in with a partner, change address, or rent a new home in an area where UC has replaced legacy benefits.

Here’s what to do:

1. Check if you live in a Universal Credit area

2. Apply for Universal Credit online

3. Your ESA payments will stop automatically

4. Transfer your medical evidence and fit notes

Are there additional benefits or local grants for people with depression and anxiety?

What support can you get from your local council or charity organisations?

Most UK councils have discretionary funds to support residents struggling with mental health or financial hardship.
You can contact your local council and ask about:

• Local Welfare Assistance Schemes (LWAS) – one-off help with essentials such as food, utilities, or furniture.

• Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) – extra help with rent if Housing Benefit or Universal Credit doesn’t cover it all.

• Crisis grants or hardship funds – small emergency payments for people facing sudden financial stress.

Charities like Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, and Turn2us also offer financial guidance and small grants for wellbeing support such as therapy, transport, or self-care activities.

💡 Tip: Visit www.turn2us.org.uk and use their “Grant Search” tool to find funds you might be eligible for.

Can you get help with housing, council tax, or travel if you have mental health issues?

Yes. You may be eligible for:

• Housing Benefit

• Council Tax Reduction

• Disabled Person’s Railcard

Are there workplace or educational support grants available for anxiety and depression?

If you’re trying to stay in work or education while managing mental health challenges, you might qualify for extra support through:

• Access to Work grant: Covers costs like counselling, transport, or equipment if your condition affects your ability to work.

• Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs): Helps with study-related costs if you’re in higher education and your depression or anxiety affects learning.

These grants don’t need to be repaid and can make work or study more manageable while you focus on recovery.

How do I apply for mental health benefits in the UK?

What documents and medical evidence do I need when applying?

Gather the following:

• Medical letters from your GP or psychiatrist

• A list of your medications

• Evidence of therapy or counselling

• Personal diary or statement

How can mental health charities help with the application process?

Charities play a huge role in helping people with mental health conditions navigate the benefits system.
They can guide you through the paperwork, check your forms, and even speak to the DWP on your behalf if you feel anxious about phone calls.

Here’s who can help:

• Citizens Advice – Offers free, one-to-one guidance on applying for PIP, ESA, or Universal Credit.

• Mind – Provides emotional support and practical tools to explain your symptoms clearly.

• Rethink Mental Illness – Helps with appeals and tribunals if your claim is denied.

• Turn2us – Specialises in checking what benefits and grants you’re eligible for.

You can contact most of these charities online or by phone, and some local branches even help fill out your forms in person.

What are the common mistakes people make when applying for benefits?

• Understating symptoms

• Missing deadlines

• Not providing detailed evidence

How long does it take to get benefits for depression and anxiety?

What are the typical timelines for PIP, ESA, and Universal Credit decisions?

What can you do if your claim is delayed or denied?

If your application seems stuck:

• Contact the DWP through your online journal or by phone for an update.

• If you haven’t heard back within the average timeframe, politely ask whether any extra information is needed.

If your claim is denied, don’t lose hope — many people successfully challenge decisions.

How to appeal a decision if your mental health benefit application is rejected?

1. Ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR)

   • You have 30 days from the decision date to request this.

   • Write or call the DWP explaining why you disagree.

   • Include any new evidence or examples they might have overlooked.

2. Submit an appeal to a tribunal

   • If the DWP doesn’t change the decision after reconsideration, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.

   • This isn’t as intimidating as it sounds — you can have a representative or support worker attend with you.

How do fit notes (sick notes) work for depression and anxiety?

A fit note (sometimes called a sick note) is a document your GP gives you if your mental health condition affects your ability to work.

Here’s how they work:

• Issued by: Your GP or mental health professional.

• Duration: Usually lasts between 2 to 12 weeks depending on your recovery needs.

• Renewal: You can request a new fit note before the old one expires — just call your GP surgery.

• Submission:

  • For Universal Credit – upload it to your UC online account.

  • For ESA – post or email it to the DWP.

💡 Tip: Always keep a copy or photo of each fit note in case the DWP loses it.

How do benefits affect other forms of financial or housing support?

Can you get housing benefit or council tax reduction alongside mental health benefits?

Yes.
If you receive PIP, ESA, or Universal Credit, you can also apply for:

• Housing Benefit (or the housing element of UC) to help cover rent.

• Council Tax Reduction, which can lower or remove your council tax bill.

Both are based on your income and local authority rules. You can apply through your local council’s website.

How do savings or income affect your eligibility for mental health benefits?

• PIP is not means-tested, so your savings and income don’t affect it.

• ESA and Universal Credit, however, are means-tested.

  • Savings over £6,000 can reduce your UC or ESA payment.

  • Savings over £16,000 usually make you ineligible for those two.

If you have savings but are struggling, you can still claim PIP, as it’s purely based on your health needs.

What are the rules for carers or family members supporting someone with depression or anxiety?

If someone helps you regularly — for example, with cooking, medication, or appointments — they may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance.
To qualify, they must:

• Care for you at least 35 hours a week, and

• You must receive a qualifying benefit such as PIP or Attendance Allowance.

This ensures carers are recognised for the vital support they give.

Conclusion

Claiming benefits for depression and anxiety in the UK is your right—not a favour. These benefits exist to help you regain stability, recover at your own pace, and reduce the stress that comes with financial hardship.

Remember:

• Provide clear, detailed evidence

• Be open about your struggles

• Seek help from charities or advisors

FAQs

Can you claim PIP for both depression and anxiety in the UK?

Yes. You can claim PIP if either or both conditions affect your daily activities or ability to interact with others.

How much is PIP for depression and anxiety?

You can receive between £28.70 and £172.75 per week, depending on how your condition impacts you.

Do you need a diagnosis to claim benefits for mental health?

A diagnosis helps but isn’t essential. The DWP focuses on how your condition affects your life.

What happens if your PIP review is rejected?

You can request a Mandatory Reconsideration within 30 days and then appeal if needed.

Can you claim both ESA and PIP for depression?

Yes. Many people receive both since PIP covers daily living costs and ESA covers income replacement.

How do I prove my mental health affects my daily living?

Provide detailed examples, medical evidence, and personal statements showing how depression or anxiety limits your daily tasks.

How can I make my mental health benefit application stronger?

Use clear examples, attach medical evidence, and describe your worst days honestly.