Helpful Links regarding benefits
Struggling with mental health can be difficult financially as well as emotionally. While we are not legal advisors, we understand that you may have money worries and might not be aware of what is available to you or how to apply for it. The links below offer advice on the benefits available to those too unwell to work.
- Rethink.org is a mental health website dedicated to providing support and advice for those with mental illness
https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/living-with-mental-illness/money-benefits-poverty-and-mental-health/ - Citizens advice bureau provides free and confidential advice to those residing in the UK
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/ - Mind.co.uk – Your local mind may provide advice and advocacy services
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/local-minds/ - Turn2us is a national charity providing support when things are tough financially
https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou - Gov.uk is the national government website which provides a benefit calculator and information on what benefits are available and how to apply
https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators
Filling in the forms
Filling in the forms while applying for benefits can be an arduous process, it can be very difficult to explain how your mental health affects your ability to do day to day tasks. There are people who can help you with this process and explanations online. Please use the below links to support you if you’re having difficulty.
- Citizens advice bureau provides free and confidential advice to those residing in the UK
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/help-with-your-esa-claim/fill-in-form/
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/carers-allowance/ - Turn2us is a national charity providing support when things are tough financially
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Work-Capability-Assessment/The-questionnaire-(ESA50)
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Personal-Independence-Payment-(PIP)-Test/What-is-the-PIP-test
Permitted work while receiving benefits
In some cases you may be allowed to do a certain amount of “permitted” paid or unpaid work without it affecting your benefits. This mostly applies to people in the ESA work related or support groups. We hope the links below give a little information on what you can and can’t do while claiming.
- Citizens advice bureau provides free and confidential advice to those residing in the UK
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/while-youre-getting-esa/working-while-getting-esa/ - Entitledto.co.uk provides information on benefits you might be entitled to
https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/Permitted-Work-Rules - Turn2us is a national charity providing support when things are tough financially
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Employment-and-Support-Allowance-Permitted-Work/What-is-permitted-work-Employment-and-Support-All
Helpful links regarding benefits
In Ireland, there are a few different options for benefits depending on if you are short or long term unwell and unfit for work. Firstly, you should contact your GP. They will determine your ability to work and fill in the paperwork if you are unable. Some of these benefits are dependent on the contributions you have paid. However, if you don’t have enough you should continue to send in certificates from your doctor (as these are a help to you long term). If you aren’t entitled to other help, you can apply for supplementary welfare allowance which is a means tested payment.
If you meet certain criteria, you can apply for a medical card or a GP visit card. A medical card allows you free public health services, and subsidised prescription charges. A GP visit card allows you free GP visits.
Citizens information
Provide information on your rights and entitlements. You can find relevant information on illness and disability benefits, and you can also call them or visit your local information centre for help specific to you.
- Illness and disability payments:
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/disability_and_illness/ - Medical Card:
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/medical_cards_and_gp_visit_cards/medical_card.html
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
This is who you apply to in order to receive benefits. Their website contains information on benefits. In addition, you can find forms you might need and contact information for your local DEASP office.
Website: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/collections/social-welfare-schemes-and-services/
Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS)
MABS is a money advice service and offer information to those dealing with problem debt. They provide support in managing your finances. For example, they can negotiate with creditors on your behalf, offer budgeting advice or look at personal insolvency options.
Website: https://www.mabs.ie/en/