Living with mental health can be challenging. It can be even more challenging if you’re unable to work because of it.
No one should have to face their problems alone. We can help you understand what benefits you could apply for to help with living costs like bills and rent.
Universal Credit
You could get Universal Credit if you can’t work because of your mental health. You could also get it if you work fewer hours or are in lower paid work because of your mental health. This will give you a set amount of money each month for living expenses and can help towards housing costs like rent. If you’re not fit for work, you’ll need to give the Department of Work and Pensions a fit note (sick note) when you apply. You can find more information on this and how to make a claim on the Citizens Advice website, www.citizensadvice.org.uk If you’re already receiving benefits like Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance, Housing Benefit, tax credits and oldstyle Employment and Support Allowance, you’ll continue to be paid them. Over the next few years you’ll be moved to Universal Credit. If you have a change before then and need to make a new claim, seek advice before moving to Universal Credit to make sure you won’t be worse off.
Statutory Sick Pay
If you’re struggling at work because of your mental health and are too unwell to work, your employer could pay you Statutory Sick pay for 28 weeks. If you’re on a zero hours contract, you can still get sick pay. You shouldn’t be made to feel bad about asking for sick pay you’re entitled to. If your employer says no and you’re not happy with their explanation speak to one of our Advisers.
New Style Employment and Support Allowance
This is the main sickness benefit for people who can’t work because of a health problem. It’s paid when Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) ends or if you can’t get SSP. You must have paid enough national insurance contributions and can get it at the same time as other benefits like Personal Independence Payment and Universal Credit.
Council Tax reduction
To help with housing costs, Charnwood Borough Council have a council tax reduction and council tax support scheme that can reduce your council tax bill if you’re on a low income. Before applying check on their website, www.charnwood.gov.uk and look for ‘Council Tax, discounts and Exemptions’.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Sometimes our mental health can make it difficult to do daily tasks like washing, dressing, cooking, eating, seeing people or finding your way outside. If this is happening to you, you might be able to apply for PIP. It isn’t means tested and it won’t be affected by your income or savings. You can also claim alongside other benefits like Universal Credit.
Attendance Allowance
If you or someone you know is pension age or over, and their mental health is making it difficult to do daily living tasks like washing, dressing, eating or keeping safe at home, there are benefits to help you pay for support. Attendance Allowance won’t affect your state pension and you can claim it if you’re still working and earning money. Pension Credit This is a weekly benefit to boost your income based on how much money you have coming in and you don’t need a national insurance record.
The benefits system can sometimes feel complicated and overwhelming, but don’t feel alone. Our Advisers are here to help.
You can ring our Local Enquiry line on 01509 649605. We are open on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9.30 am – 3.00pm.
Our service is FREE, Independent & Confidential.
The National Advice line can also help – Freephone 0800 144 8848 | Textphone 18001 0800 884
(available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, except for public holidays)
Information about all the benefits mentioned and more is available on the Citizens Advice website – www.citizensadvice.org.uk
General information about Citizens Advice Charnwood is on www.charnwoodcab.org.uk
