Can I claim pip for depression? What about if I have anxiety? You may be eligible for pip if you have anxiety or depression. In fact, you can claim this benefit for a mental illness. Your Benefits will walk you through everything you need to know about pip for depression.

Can I claim pip for depression and anxiety

The Personal Independence Payment (pip) is a benefit in 2022. More specifically, it is meant to help those who have both of the following:

• A long-term disability (it can be either physical or mental);
• Difficulty in taking care of certain daily tasks, or trouble moving around or getting from A to Z.

Additionally, all of certain things need to be true for you to earn this benefit. You:

• Are 16 years old or over;
• Are impacted by a long-term health condition, or mental or physical disability;
• Have difficulties doing daily tasks or moving around;
• Expect these difficulties to last a minimum of a year from when they first started.

Pip for depression and anxiety in 2022

You may be eligible to claim pip for depression or anxiety in 2022. More specifically, it all depends if your depression is affecting your mobility or daily living conditions. In fact, pip is made up of two rates: the mobility and daily living components.

As such, cognitive and mental health conditions may allow you to qualify for the mobility component. Moreover, this includes anxiety and depression. 

How much pip for depression and anxiety

There are two different rates of pip (Personal Independence Payment) you can earn. Indeed, there is the lower “basic” rate and higher “enhanced” rate. Overall, there is a smaller maximum points amount for the mobility component compared to the daily living component. You may earn the following for each rate and component:

How to claim pip for depression

You can claim pip for depression and anxiety in 2022. More specifically, if your depression is impacting your day-to-day life, you could likely be eligible. Furthermore, you may apply in part by phone.

You will need to first call to begin your claim. Then, you will then be sent a form that inquires about your circumstances. Afterwards, you will need to fill out and send the form back. If more information is required, you may have to do an assessment.

To apply by phone, you must call the pip new claims line on 0800 012 1573. Someone will likely be able to help you if you need help. They can either be added to the call or do the call for you. However, you must then be present.

You will need the following information when applying to claim pip for depression:

• Your date of birth;
• The name, phone number and address of your doctor or health worker;
• The sort code and account number of your building society or bank account;
• Your National Insurance number (this is if you have one. You may find it on benefits, pensions or tax letters);
• Your contact information;
• The addresses and dates for times that you have been in the hospital or in a care home;
• The dates for when you spend time abroad for a period of more than 4 weeks.

How many pip points for depression

You may get points in the mobility component for having depression. In fact, there are two categories (or set of activities) in it. They are “planning and following journeys” and “moving around”.

Each of these activities can earn you 12 points. However, remember that you can earn points across categories. This means that you can get points in different categories at the same time.

Let’s look at an example. You will score 0 points on “planning and following journeys” if you “can plan and follow the route of a journey unaided”. However, if you cannot follow a familiar route without help, you can earn 12 points.

Furthermore, you may earn points for needing help to or not being able to engage with other people. Then, you could earn up to 8 points just for this activity, and thus qualify for the daily living component.

How is pip calculated?

Your pip eligibility is determined by a healthcare professional. Indeed, they will look at your case individually. Then, they will look at your ability to achieve daily living and mobility tasks.

Following this, they will write to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Afterwards, someone at the DWP will determine at what rate you will be able to receive, and for what period of time.

They will also look at if you need to use items to conduct daily living and mobility activities. In fact, needing equipment or appliances may increase your eligibility. More specifically, it may award you more points.

Your pip eligibility is determined with a points system. You will earn points for difficulties you experience in your day-to-day life. Indeed, after earning a certain number of points, you will be eligible for certain rates. Additionally, there are also other benefits you could claim.

If you earn between 8 and 11 points in one component, you will earn the basic (or “lower“) rate. If you earn 12 or more points, you will qualify for the higher (or “enhanced“). You can earn points across categories.

What other benefits could I get?

You may be affected by depression, anxiety or another mental health issue. Then, you could be eligible for certain benefits. In fact, these benefits could help in daily expenses.

If you live in the UK, these are some of the benefits that you could claim if you have depression:

• Incapacity Benefit;
• Cold Weather Payment;
• Severe Disablement Allowance;
• Council Tax discounts and exemptions;
• Housing Benefit;
• Income Support;
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Universal Credit for disability

Universal Credit is a benefit you could get if you are affected by depression. Its goal is to help pay for living costs. The benefit is paid monthly. However, those living in Scotland will receive it bi-monthly.

You might be struggling financially, and need money quicker than how this benefit is paid. Then, you could get a Universal Credit advance payment. In simple terms, this would pay you your first Universal Credit payment in advance.

Housing Benefit for disability

You could be eligible to receive Housing Benefit for a disability that you have. Furthermore, your depression may count as a disability. Like Universal Credit, Housing Benefit is a financial benefit meant for those who need help covering rent.

The amount of Housing Benefit that you can get depends on your specific circumstances. In fact, it could cover some or even all of the rent that you have to pay. The exact amount is dependent on whether you rent from a council or privately. Additionally, it is dependent on your eligible rent.