DWP reminder as people with stress, anxiety or depression could get monthly payments

Brits living with a number of mental health issues could be entitled to cash support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). People with stress, anxiety or depression could be eligible for Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

Research commissioned by the DWP revealed that by the end of July 2024, 3.6 million people were receiving PIP across England and Wales. This figure marked a 29% rise in claimants compared to July 2021 (2.8 million).

DWP data shows that mental health conditions and behavioural disorders have been the key factor behind the surge in working-age people claiming PIP. The monthly average of new PIP awards where anxiety and depression was the primary medical condition has risen from 2,500 per month in 2019 to 8,800 per month in 2024.

By the end of April 2025, more than 3.7 million people were receiving PIP. This total included 1,444,016 individuals getting financial support for "psychiatric disorders".

As reported by the Daily Record, this represents the primary disabling category employed by the DWP and encompasses anxiety and mood disorders, stress reactions and depressive disorders, alongside numerous other conditions that may impact someone's mental wellbeing. However, this figure doesn't include new or existing claimants in Scotland who are receiving Adult Disability Payment (ADP) - the devolved disability payment that has now taken over all new claims for PIP in Scotland.

PIP offers extra financial support ranging from £29.20 to £187.45 per week to adults with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition who need assistance with daily tasks or mobility.

If you require additional help to cover the costs of daily living or mobility needs due to a mental health condition, it might be worth considering making a new claim for PIP or ADP.

Even though new claims for PIP have been replaced by ADP in Scotland, most of the eligibility criteria remain the same. Comprehensive guidance on ADP can be found on the MYGOV.SCOT website.

Who could be eligible for PIP or ADP?

To qualify for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:

• Have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months
• Expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months
• You typically need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply

In addition to what we've outlined above, if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP:

• Preparing, cooking or eating food
• Managing your medication
• Washing, bathing or using the toilet
• Dressing and undressing
• Engaging and communicating with other people
• Reading and understanding written information
• Making decisions about money
• Planning a journey or following a route
• Moving around

There are different rules if you are terminally ill, these can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

The DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will consider:

• Whether you can do it safely
• How long it takes you
• How often your condition affects this activity
• Whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment

How are PIP and ADP paid?

PIP and ADP are typically paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.

ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.

PIP and ADP payment rates

You will require an assessment to determine the level of financial assistance you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are getting the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks.

PIP is comprised of two components:

• Daily living
• Mobility
• Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.

You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:

Daily living

• Standard rate: £73.90
• Enhanced rate: £110.40

Mobility

• Standard rate: £29.20
• Enhanced rate: £77.05

Assessment Process

An independent healthcare professional will assess you to help the DWP decide what level of financial support, if any, you need for PIP.

Health-related benefits consultations can be face-to-face, via video calls, telephone or paper-based assessments - it's crucial to know that the health professional and DWP decide which type of assessment is most appropriate for each claimant.

Adult Disability Payment assessments won't involve face-to-face assessments unless the claimant prefers this.

How to claim for PIP

You can initiate a new claim by contacting the DWP, all the necessary information to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

How to apply for ADP

People can apply for ADP over the phone, by post or in person. To learn more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or ring Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.