Depression, work and benefits

Is depression a disability?

Under the Equality Act 2010, a condition counts as a disability if it has a substantial (more than minor) and long-term (12 months or more) effect on your normal daily activities. The law looks at how you would be without treatment. Depression that lasts, or is likely to last, 12 months or more, or keeps coming back, can be covered.

At work

Reasonable adjustments could include:

• flexible hours, or a later start if medicines make mornings hard
• time off for therapy and appointments
• a phased return after sick leave
• regular check-ins with your manager, and clear priorities
• a quieter place to work, or working from home

A Wellness Action Plan, from Mind, can help you and your manager agree what support you need.

Access to Work

Access to Work offers free, confidential Mental Health Support, with up to 9 months of advice and a support plan to help you stay in or return to work.

Benefits

PIP is based on how depression affects you on most days. It can affect activities such as:

• preparing food and eating, if you need prompting because of low motivation
• washing and dressing, if you need encouragement
• managing medicines, if you need reminders or someone to keep them safe
• mixing with other people, and planning journeys, if they cause overwhelming distress
• making budgeting decisions, if you need help with money

If you cannot work

If your health means you cannot work, or can only work a little, you may be able to get New Style Employment and Support Allowance or extra money in Universal Credit. These are separate from PIP, and you can get them at the same time.

Free, independent advisers, such as Citizens Advice or a local welfare rights service, can help you check what you can claim and fill in forms.