Mental health patients could get visits from job coaches

Job coaches could soon visit mental health patients while they’re in hospital, to try and help them get back to work.

It’s part of Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall's efforts to reduce the country's yearly disability and incapacity benefits bill, which is expected to surge by almost a third in the next four to five years.

There have been trials of the scheme in Leicester and at the Maudsley Hospital in Camberwell, which offered employment support like CV writing and interview training to people with serious mental health conditions.

Kendall says the results of getting people into work have been "dramatic" and that evidence shows it’s better for their mental health.

Disability rights campaigners concerned

But disability rights campaigners have warned that the proposals have the potential to worsen people’s mental health.

Mikey Erhardt, a campaigner at Disability Rights UK, described the idea of turning hospitals into business settings as "ridiculous" and "hugely inappropriate".

James Taylor, executive director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, wanted to see proof  that sending work coaches to visit seriously ill people works and doesn't upset them.

Minesh Patel, associate director of policy and campaigns at Mind, welcomed the spotlight on mental health hospitals but stressed the need for safe and compassionate care that helps people truly get better.

Financial help with mental disabilities

If you or someone you know is living with a mental health condition, there’s a range of benefits you might be able to claim, depending on your situation.

Personal independence payment

PIP is a tax-free benefit for over-16s who haven’t reached state pension age. It’s designed to help with the extra costs of having a long-term health problem or a disability.

Check if you qualify on the government website and how to apply.

Attendance allowance

Attendance allowance is a tax-free benefit for people who:

• have reached state pension age
• have a disability
• need someone to help look after them

Check if you qualify on the government website. 

Employment and support allowance

If you can’t work because of an illness or a disability, you may be able to get employment and support allowance.

Check if you qualify and apply on the government website.

Disability living allowance for children

If you’re taking care of a child with a disability, you might quality for help.

Disability living allowance is a tax-free benefit for under 16s to help with the costs of a long-term illness or disability.

Check if you qualify on the government website.

Carer’s allowance

If you’re looking after someone with a severe disability, you might be able to get extra money to help you care for them with carer’s allowance.

Check if you qualify and apply on the government website.

Are you getting all the support you’re entitled to?

You can check whether you’re getting all the benefits you qualify for with our free online benefits calculator, or give us a ring and we’ll check for you.