Benefits and mental health
2.6 million people currently claim out-of-work benefits due to illness or disability – 40% have mental health problems. A pilot reassessment process has begun, with full migration from Incapacity Benefit to ESA starting in February 2011.
The government expects 23% of claimants to be found fit for work immediately and they will be expected to look for employment.
Some people living with mental health problems can find it difficult, or even impossible, to cope with complicated benefits issues which sometimes demand interviews or physical examinations, and benefit application forms can be time-consuming and bewildering. Even when clients have succeeded in claiming the appropriate benefits, maintaining entitlement is not easy when faced with regular re-assessment.
This introductory course is for all staff working with people who have mental health needs, to enable you to have a positive impact on the benefit entitlements of your clients and help them to protect their existing income.
You will learn:
- To recognise key issues and the barriers affecting clients living with mental health needs
- To identify potential benefits available to those in mental ill-health
- DLA, Attendance Allowance and incapacity for work benefits such as ESA, in a mental health context
- Successful transition from Incapacity to ESA
- JSA and availability for work – a guide to directions/sanctions/limitations on health grounds
- The Permitted Work Rules
- The difference income maximisation makes
- Useful organisations.
Who will benefit from attending?
All staff working with people who have mental health needs and needing to give confident advice and support to their clients through the claiming process.
Our trainer:
Alison Markantonis has spent over 20 years in the field of benefits prior to becoming a consultant and trainer. Her approach is participative and interactive, using case studies and her own frontline experience to take the complex, and make it not only simple, but applicable.
HQN has a track record of helping organisations achieve real and lasting performance improvements. If you are interested in accessing this training package please contact us by emailing training@hqnetwork.co.uk
