Benefits Available For People With Mental Health Conditions in the UK 2025/26

5th December 2025

Although there appears to be research being called for in respect of he numbers of claimants it may be useful to know exactly what is available to people with mental health conditions.

Living with a mental health condition can affect every area of life — from managing daily tasks to maintaining employment or living independently. The UK benefits system recognises this and offers several forms of financial support and practical assistance to help people manage their condition and maintain stability. This guide outlines the main benefits available in 2025/26, who they are for, and how they can help.

Understanding How Eligibility Works

It's important to know that UK disability and health-related benefits do not rely on your diagnosis alone. Instead, eligibility depends on how your mental health condition affects your daily living, mobility, or ability to work. This means that two people with the same condition may qualify for different types or levels of support, depending on the specific challenges they face. Age, income, savings, and work status can also influence which benefits you can receive.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment is one of the most common benefits for people with mental health conditions. It is designed for adults under State Pension age who need help with daily living activities or mobility due to a long-term health condition.

PIP is not means-tested, so your income or savings do not affect eligibility. Instead, you are assessed on the impact of your condition — for example, difficulties with planning, interacting with others, making decisions, managing medication, or travelling independently. In 2025/26, PIP may award both a daily living component and a mobility component, each of which has a standard and enhanced rate depending on your level of need.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

If your mental health condition affects your ability to work, you may be eligible for Employment and Support Allowance. "New Style ESA" is based on your National Insurance contributions and does not depend on your household income. After applying, most people complete a Work Capability Assessment, which determines whether you can work, need support to find work, or cannot work at all. ESA provides financial help and can also allow you to work limited hours without losing the benefit, depending on your circumstances.

Universal Credit (UC) with Health-Related Elements

Universal Credit replaces many older, means-tested benefits and offers support for people on a low income or who are out of work due to ill health. If mental health makes working difficult, you may be assessed for Limited Capability for Work or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity, which can increase your monthly UC payment.

UC can also support housing costs and childcare, and many people receive it alongside PIP. Although it is means-tested, the disability elements can significantly increase the amount you receive if you meet the criteria.

Attendance Allowance

For people who are at or above State Pension age, Attendance Allowance provides regular financial support if a mental or physical health condition means they need help with personal care or supervision to stay safe. Unlike PIP, it does not include a mobility component, but it has two rates depending on the level of support needed. As with PIP, it is not affected by income or savings.

Access to Work

Access to Work can be life-changing for people with mental health conditions who are employed or preparing to return to work. This scheme can fund practical workplace adjustments, specialist equipment, or support workers. It may also offer mental-health support services, help with travel if public transport is difficult, or cover additional costs that arise from managing your condition at work. Your employer does not need to fund these adjustments alone — the grant comes from the government.

Other Forms of Support

Beyond the main disability benefits, several other programmes can help people with mental health conditions:

Council tax reductions: You may qualify for discounts depending on your income, disability status, or whether you live alone.

Housing support: Universal Credit may cover part or all of your rent, and additional housing-related help may be available through your local council.

Carer's benefits: If someone provides regular care for you, they may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance or related support.

Extra allowances and premiums: Some benefits include additional disability premiums depending on your circumstances.

What to Consider When Applying

Applying for disability or health-related benefits can feel daunting, especially during a period of poor mental health. It helps to gather evidence from healthcare professionals, keep notes about how your condition affects you day-to-day, and seek support from advice organisations if needed. Many charities offer free guidance and can help you complete forms or prepare for assessments.

It’s also important to review your benefits periodically. Mental health can fluctuate, and changes in your condition, work situation, or living arrangement may affect your entitlement.

The UK benefits system provides a range of financial and practical support options for people living with mental health conditions. Whether your difficulties are long-term, fluctuating, or newly developed, you may be entitled to help that can reduce financial pressure, improve independence, and support you in daily life or employment. Understanding what is available — and how these benefits work together — is a key step in making sure you receive the assistance you need.