John Hughie
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is currently offering payments of up to £750 to individuals who suffer from stress, anxiety, or depression.
This financial help is part of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) scheme, which supports people dealing with long-term physical or mental health challenges.
Sharp Rise in PIP Claims for Mental Health
According to newly commissioned research by the DWP, as of July 2024, around 3.6 million people in England and Wales were receiving PIP benefits. This marks a significant 29% increase from July 2021, when the figure stood at 2.8 million.
A key reason for this surge is the growing number of people struggling with mental and behavioural disorders. Data comparisons show that between 2019 and 2024, monthly PIP claims for depression and anxiety have jumped from 2,500 to 8,800.
By April 2025, there were 1,444,016 people receiving support specifically for psychiatric disorders, while the overall number of PIP recipients had reached 3.7 million.
What Mental Health Issues Are Covered?
The DWP’s classification of ‘psychiatric disorders’ under PIP includes a broad spectrum of conditions, such as:
- Anxiety and mood disorders
- Stress-related disorders
- Depressive illnesses
- Additional mental health conditions impacting emotional wellbeing
Thousands Could Receive £5,000+ in Back Payments
In addition to current claims, thousands of individuals may be owed over £5,000 each due to historical administrative errors by the DWP.
These mistakes resulted in eligible PIP applicants being wrongly underpaid or having their claims unjustly rejected—some simply for not having a National Insurance number, even though it’s not a requirement for PIP eligibility.
In the past 12 months, the DWP reviewed 455 such cases and has already disbursed £500,000 in arrears.
The ‘MM’ Legal Judgment and Its Impact on PIP Claims
In July 2019, the Supreme Court upheld a judgment from the Upper Tribunal, fundamentally changing how the DWP assesses ‘social support’ under Daily Living Activity 9 in PIP applications.
The ‘MM’ judgment clarifies:
- ‘Social support’ includes prompting or assistance when interacting face-to-face.
- Support must be timely and relevant, not provided hours or days in advance.
This legal clarification has influenced the reevaluation of numerous claims where mental health needs may have been underestimated.
Advocacy and Public Response
Ayla Ozmen, Policy Director at anti-poverty organization Z2K, expressed concern over the DWP’s missteps, emphasizing that underpayment errors have led to “serious financial hardship” for many disabled individuals. She urged the DWP to act quickly to resolve outstanding issues.
Former DWP Minister Sir Steve Webb also noted the slow pace of processing these critical reviews, suggesting that the social support-related cases should have been handled with greater urgency.
The DWP’s PIP program continues to be a vital source of financial assistance for those battling mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
However, with mounting evidence of past errors and underpayments, the department is under pressure to ensure all eligible claimants receive their full entitlements. If you or someone you know may qualify, it’s crucial to check eligibility and consider a claim or reassessment.
FAQs
How do I apply for PIP if I have anxiety or depression?
You can apply for Personal Independence Payment through the DWP via phone or online. A health assessment and supporting medical evidence are typically required.
Can I claim PIP without a National Insurance number?
Yes, a National Insurance number is not mandatory for a PIP claim, although it is often requested. Claims should still be evaluated on medical and functional grounds.
What is the MM judgment and how does it affect my PIP claim?
The MM judgment redefined how the DWP evaluates social support. If your need for help during social interactions was not properly considered before, you may now qualify for backdated payments or a higher award.
