Is it possible to get benefits if somebody suffers with anxiety/panic attacks?

MarkAlexander18

Hi guys,

I am asking a question on behalf of somebody. They have suffered from panic attacks and bad anxiety for many years now. He hasn't been able to work for a few years due to this. He refused to go onto benefits for a long time, and fortunately he had savings he could live off during the time.

He felt okay a little while ago up until now, but he's been suffering again from panic attacks and general anxiety and this makes it difficult to hold a job down because as well as the panic attacks being hard to control, the physical symptoms during the following days are uncomfortable.

I was reading that anxiety isn't a health problem which is on the list for receiving benefits, but is this true or is it possible to receive some kind of benefits as a person with this illness?

The thing is, he really would like to work, but every time he does try (even with family members or family friends) while he still has anxiety, it doesn't work out. Would it be a case of going onto different medication and trying to overcome the anxiety before getting into work? The only thing is, financially it's becoming a bit tougher for him due to his savings becoming low.

poppy12345

Being entitled to means tested benefits will depend on circumstances. Do they live with a partner that works? Do they rent or own their home or live with parents? Savings/capital £6000 and over will affect means tested benefits and how much they can claim. £1 for every £250 over that amount will be deducted. Savings of £16000 and more and they won't be entitled to any means tested benefits.


PIP isn't means tested and isn't awarded based on a diagnosis. It depends how their conditions affect them daily. Evidence will be needed to support a claim. Information in the link about PIP.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf


https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/

Ames

There is no list of conditions which entitle someone to claim benefits*. As Poppy said it's about how a condition affects you, your care needs and ability to carry out certain tasks.

The rules aren't as straightforward as they seem though, a lot of people assume they wouldn't qualify when they would. If possible, they should get help from CAB or similar.

* There is a list of conditions which mean no reassessment but it's short and has no impact on whether or not you can claim in the first place.

Alice_Holt

I'd second Ames advice that he sees CAB / local advice agency about:
PIP
ESA (if unable to work due to anxiety)
A benefits check..

Where did you read "that anxiety isn't a health problem which is on the list for receiving benefits"?
That's not right.

Google PIP and poor mental health.
Carefully read info from MIND and Rethink Mental Health.

System

I'd say the forst port of call should be his GP, if his anxiety is affecting him to this extent he may need his medication increasing or changing, although i dont take it specifically for anxiety my anti depressant does help with it, i was at one point having very frequent panic attacks but they have lessened a bit since being on this medication, it might also be worth enquiring as to whether they have education groups (i did one for depression-theres one for bpiolar and anxiety too), IAPT (improving access to psycholocal services)-they can give theapy and cbt (and i do believe there is an online course you can do at home thats supposed to help with anxiety)and also perhaps he could be reffered to the community mental health team

Secondly if he can;t currently work, then he needs to apply for ESA. He'll need a fit note from his doctor, there will be a form to fill in and most likely a face to face assessment. Any evidence he has (GP, mental health services etc) can go towards the claim, and he can take someone with his to the assessment. What rate you get depends on whether you have previously worked/have savings in which case it would be contributions based or if not it would be income based.

However you need to check if he's living in a full service Universal Crediyt area, if he is he wont be able to apply for ESA and will have to apply for UC instead.

PIP could be an option, does his anxiety mean he struggles with daily care? Does he need motivation to cook, or to shower? does his anxiety prevent him from leaving the house etc? If he has care needs relagedless of diagnosis he may get some help