Can people with anxiety claim benefits in the UK?

Anxiety is sometimes debilitating. You want to go to work, but you cannot open your eyes, let alone get out of bed. Life is a struggle – more days than not, you want to curl up in a ball, pull the duvet over your head and hide from the world forever. As you do this everything feels better for the merest sliver of a second. Then you remember you have responsibilities.

You have the rent to pay. It's your best friend’s birthday this month, and he wants you to join him for a night out. The car insurance is due the following month, and the energy bill was set incorrectly, and you now have that hanging over you. So, losing your job is not an option.

Your mind doesn't know whether to focus on the anxiety of getting through the day or the worry about how you will fund life if you lose your job. Whilst you think the fear should motivate you to spring out of bed and jump into the shower, ready to sprint into work, it does not happen. In about an hour, you will make your second sick call of the week. Your boss understands, but keeping your job will take more than understanding at this rate.

If you find yourself feeling stuck with anxiety, wondering whether you can get help, you’re not alone, and there are routes to support.

What benefits can I claim for depression and anxiety in the UK?

Universal Credit is the umbrella benefit that replaces or subsumes several older benefits like child tax credit, housing benefit, income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA), income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) and working tax credit.

If you have a health condition or disability affecting your ability to work, you may qualify for extra universal credit payments. Your entitlement depends on your health condition, income, housing costs, and how much support you need. However, in April 2026, new claimants’ health element payments will be reduced from the current amount. 

In 2012, a personal independence payment (PIP) replaced the disability living allowance. PIP is for people over the age of 16 and below state pension age who:

• Have difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) and have for at least three months.
• Have had the difficulties for at least 3 months and expect them to continue for at least 9 months. 

There are no specific benefits for anxiety in the UK, but eligibility for PIP does include difficulties in: 

• speaking to others
• shopping
• paying bills
• going on journeys, including planning and following
• cooking and eating
• taking care of your personal hygiene

PIP is awarded based on the support you need due to a long-term health condition (physical or mental) rather than on the condition.

In 2017, there was controversy when a high court ruling found that people with mental health conditions experienced discrimination within the PIP policy. The regulations did not regard psychological distress as enough of a restriction to independent travel to receive the payment. The high court ruled this unlawful. So, those who cannot make a familiar journey alone because of psychological distress do meet the criteria, provided you meet the other required components.

Currently, the maximum current rates for 2025/26 include the following proposed changes to begin in Autumn 2026:

• daily living component – enhanced: £110.40/week
• mobility component – enhanced: £77.05/week

The benefits system in the UK is not clear to everyone. You might look at the information and feel overwhelmed – especially if you already feel anxious or depressed. The benefits listed above certainly do not cover every UK benefit. You might find you are eligible for another benefit due to your circumstances outside of anxiety or depression, for example:

• New Style Employment and Support Allowance may apply if you have paid enough National Insurance and cannot work due to health conditions.
• Carer’s Allowance: If you care for someone (e.g. a partner or family member) who receives certain benefits, you may be eligible. Currently, the rate is £83.30/week.
• Other means-tested benefits or supplements - depending on your region, you may qualify for local grants, council support, or mental health charities.

Charities and organisations such as Mind, Citizens Advice, Turn2Us and Mental Health and Money Advice can help you check benefit eligibility, apply, or appeal decisions.

You might also wish to check your eligibility for social care if you need practical help and support. If you find yourself unable to buy food, check Trussell Trust to find your nearest foodbank. The most important thing is to ask for help and continue to ask until you find or get the support you need. 

How can hypnotherapy help?

The vicious circle between knowing you need support with your mental health and feeling unable to afford it can make you feel stuck in a box. If finances are tight, some ideas include:

• Spreading your sessions out, pay for one at a time and save a small amount each week in between.
• Ask the therapist about sliding scale/concessionary rates.
• Incorporate low/no-cost mental health strategies (mindfulness, peer support groups, self-help resources).
• Prioritise applying for benefits or supports first. It may free up resources or reduce anxiety about money.

If needed, you can take it one session at a time – one session is better than no sessions. Although some people find it easier to save up for a block of sessions and begin then.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, know that you’re not alone and there are routes for support for people living with anxiety, stress, or anxiety-based depression. 

References 

GOV.UK (2025) Universal Credit and health conditions or disabilities. Department for Work and Pensions. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-disability-universal-credit 

GOV.UK (2025) Further details on welfare reforms published ahead of second reading. Department for Work and Pensions. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/further-details-on-welfare-reforms-published-ahead-of-second-reading

GOV.UK (2025) Benefit and pension rates 2025 to 2026. Department for Work and Pensions. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit-and-pension-rates-2025-to-2026/benefit-and-pension-rates-2025-to-2026