Claim PIP for mental health and you could get up to £608 each month from DWP

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced significant changes to its guidance for health professionals carrying out Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments across the UK.

The updated guidelines published on GOV.UK include details on improved guidance for assessors on the significance of whether or not a claimant with a mental health condition is receiving medication.

Assessors may incorrectly interpret the fact that a claimant with, for example depression, is not receiving any medication as evidence that their condition has very little effect on their daily living or mobility needs.

However, the updated guidance now points out that the severity of a mental health condition “does not necessarily correspond with the type or dosage of medication that the claimant is receiving”.The guidance highlights that factors such as side effects, problems complying with a medication regime or the medication not being effective for that individual may all result in someone with a severe condition not receiving medication.It goes on to say that assessors should take into account the use of treatments such as psychological therapies instead of medication.The change could mean that more people living with a 'hidden condition' such as stress, anxiety or depression, may now be eligible for PIP.Whether that's something recently diagnosed during 18 months of lockdown, or an underlying condition now coming to light, it's important that everyone understands there is financial support available and now may be the best time to think about claiming PIP, a benefit many people have heard of, but are not really sure who it can help or how to apply.The latest figures from the DWP show that on October 31, 2021 there were 2.8