Benefits for People with Bipolar Disorder in the UK

Whilst the process of claiming benefits in the UK can seem daunting, there are a variety of benefits available for people suffering from bipolar disorder, which vary according to a range of factors, for example the severity of your symptoms, home situation and availability for work. Below is an overview of the main the welfare benefits you may be able to claim if you are under 65 and bipolar.

Note: this is a guide only. Entitlement conditions are complex and you should check the rules before applying.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
ESA replaced Incapacity Benefit in Autumn 2008. If you have limited capacity for work, then you may be eligible to claim this benefit. It also offers personalised support geared towards getting people (back) into suitable employment. The rate depends on your age, National Insurance contributions, nature of your disability, willingness to try work-related activities etc.
ESA is administered by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and you can begin your application using their claim line: 0800 055 66 88.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
This is a tax-free benefit designed to cover additional costs of living caused by your illness. There are two components, mobility and care, which come at different levels. However the DLA application form does not seem to have been designed with the mentally ill person in mind, so you may need help from somebody experienced in claiming benefits in order to maximise your chances of success. I applied for DLA myself and got a small amount of money but I reapplied a few months later with the help of an employee of Mind and was awarded a much more reasonable sum of money. Benefits in Mind have published a useful guide about claiming DLA if you have a mental problem rather than a physical one.
DLA is administered by the DWP and you can apply online or call their enquiry line: 0800 88 22 00.

Income Support (IS)
This is a means tested benefit designed to make sure that a household has enough money to live on. If you're registered sick or disabled and have savings of less than £16,000 you may be entitled to IS.
IS is administered by and you may claim by telephone: 0800 055 6688.

Housing Benefit (HB)
If you are in rented accommodation you may be eligible for HB to cover either the whole, or part of your rent. As I understand it, if you get IS you should get full HB, but if not it will be calculated based on your circumstances.
HB is administered by your local council and you apply for HB and CTB together on a HCTB1 form which you can get from your local council offices.

Council Tax Benefit (CTB)
If you have a low income and have little capital, you may be eligible for CTB.
To apply, see notes above on HB.

Working Tax Credits (WTC)
If you are disabled but employed for 16 hours or more per week, you may be entitled to WTC.
Tax credits are administered by HM Revenue and Customs and you can request a claim form on 0845 300 3900 or pick one up at you local Job Centre Plus.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
If you're an employee and unable to work because you're ill you may be able to get SSP. It is paid by your employer and can be paid for up to 28 weeks.
To get SSP you must tell your employer that you are sick and may be required to submit medical evidence.

Help with Healthcare Costs
If you are in receipt of IS, you will automatically qualify for free prescriptions, sight tests etc; however if not, you can apply for an HC2 or HC3. These are certificates provided on a means-tested basis, which entitle you to money off health costs.
You apply to the Department of Healh, on an HC1 form which you can get using their order line: 0845 610 1112, or from a Jobcentre Plus, hospital and some GP surgeries.

Disabled Student's Allowance (DSA)
DSA provide extra financial help if you are a student with a disability. They are available on top of the standard student finance package and don't have to be repaid.
The method of application varies depending on your type of course, see DSA - How to Apply.

With the variety of benefits out there, and length of claim forms, you might find the application process overwhelming. However there are charities which can help identify the benefits that you may be entitled to and assist you in making successful applications, for example Citizens Advice Bureaux and Mind.

EntitledTo is a useful website which can help calculate means-tested benefits for you an your family.