Birchwood knows and understands how difficult, stressful, and complex accessing benefits can be.  It can feel like there is a stigma attached to being on benefits whether that’s community gossip, other people’s opinions or even the media.  For those with mental health problems, the whole benefits system can feel like it is not designed to meet your needs.

It is important you know what benefits are available to you and they are there to support you.  You have a right to claim them if you are struggling to manage or need that extra support.  

What benefits can I claim?

There are numerous benefits you may be able to claim for if you have a mental health problem. Benefits can really help support you such as paying towards everyday costs, like food, rent and childcare.  You may be able to access some benefits even if you’re still working.  Please check the links below to see what benefits you can claim for:

• Contact Birchwood in the first instance, we offer advice and guidance on benefits with support in completing applications
• Please click on the link for a list of benefits available to you if you have a mental health problem.
• Please use the benefits calculator to help you find what benefits you could be claiming for and how much you could be receiving.
• You could be eligible for an additional payment to help with the cost of living. Find out if you're eligible and how much you could get on gov.uk.
• Please click on the link for access to an online handbook on the benefits for mental health.

Moving to Universal Credit

 

By the end of 2024, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) plans to migrate everyone onto Universal Credit who are receiving the following benefits:

• Housing benefit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

To move to Universal Credit, DWP may get in touch with a ‘migration notice’ to request you make an application for Universal Credit.  You don't have to apply for Universal Credit until the DWP asks you to.  Please be aware, you won’t be moved automatically, and those benefits above may stop.

The Mental Health and Money Advice website has information on moving over to Universal Credit, including how the move will affect your other benefits.

 

Completing the benefits forms

Birchwood knows how daunting completing the benefits forms can be, causing stress and anxiety.  It can be hard to know where to start with your application, but our team are on hand to guide and support you with your claim.  Some benefits require evidence of your mental health problem. Evidence could be a doctor’s letter, prescriptions, statements from friends, family or co–workers, or photographs from around your home. It’s helpful to check what evidence you need and get copies.

The Mental Health and Money Advice website has more information about the evidence you may need to support your benefits claim.

Use the following links with guidance on completing your applications:

• Universal Credit form
• Personal Independence Payment form

Benefits Assessments

Some benefits will require you to attend an assessment to ensure you meet the criteria to receive that benefit.  Birchwood knows this can be stressful and can advise what to expect at the assessment and how to answer the questions. 

 Please find the below links about what happens at each assessment.

• Universal Credit assessment
• Personal Independence Payment assessment
• Employment and Support Allowance assessment

Appealing a benefits decision

Unfortunately, you may have applied for benefits and have been unsuccessful.  This can be frustrating and worrying, especially if you are unsure why you haven’t met the criteria.  You can appeal a decision if you think their decision is wrong and feel your are eligible.  You may feel reluctant to apply again in case your turned down for a second time but remember, it is completely within your rights to appeal a decision if you think it is wrong.

Please click on the link with information on how to appeal a benefits decision.

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Please contact us on 01695 713248 and ask for the Mental Health & Wellbeing team or to self refer please click here.