Can You Claim Benefits If You Have PTSD?

Some victims of PTSD may recover earlier than their counterparts. Whether someone has experienced PTSD as part of their job (being in the military, fire department or police force) or as an individual in challenging personal circumstances, we will explore through this article to learn whether or not they can claim benefits for their conditions. Additionally, we will also explore other means of financial support that PTSD victims can claim. 

Can You Claim Benefits If You Have PTSD?

Yes, you can claim certain benefits if you are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These include the following:

• Disability Living Allowance 
• Universal Credit 
• Income Support 
• Attendance Allowance
• Personal Independence Payments
• Employment and Support Allowance

In some cases, PTSD victims can also claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax support and discounts.

However, to be able to claim benefits for PTSD, the victim should have long-term effects of their condition that can last up to 12 months; as well as be restricted in their ability to perform basic tasks such as taking care of themselves or interacting with others.

Once you apply to the DWP for benefits due to PTSD, you will be asked to provide supportive evidence of your claim. In some cases you might be asked to provide a letter from your GP; while in others, you will be asked to undergo an assessment to confirm your claim.

PTSD can easily be identified when someone who has experienced trauma is unable to function normally in their daily lives or becomes isolated. Some individuals may complain of having bad dreams or frightening thoughts related to their experience while others may face emotional instability, irritability or the inability to concentrate.

In addition to claiming benefits, anyone suffering from PTSD can also seek help from the below-listed forums:

• the NHS
• charities and organisations
• online advice and helplines

If someone suffers from a mental health problem and their mental health assessment reveals that they should not be living alone, council authorities can also suggest care homes, supported housing, therapeutic communities or crisis houses for individuals. 

How Can You Claim Personal Independence Payment For PTSD?

You would need to meet the below eligibility criteria to claim Personal Independence Payments for PTSD:

• be living in England, Scotland or Wales
• have a long-term disability, physical or mental condition
• find it difficult to perform everyday tasks
• expect these difficulties to last for at least one year 

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can use the following methods to apply for PIP:

• Make a phone call at 0800 917 2222 or +44 191 218 7766 if you are calling from abroad
• Send a text message to 0800 917 7777
• Use Relay UK if you cannot hear or speak on the phone using 18001 then 0800 917 2222
• Apply through the post to the following address:

Personal Independence Payment New Claims

Post Handling Site B

Wolverhampton

WV99 1AH

PIP payments can range between £61.85 and £92.40 if someone is claiming the Daily Living Part and between £24.45 to £64.50 if they are claiming the Mobility Part.

Recipients of PIP may additionally be eligible for additional money through Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance as well as Pension Credit.

How Can You Claim Attendance Allowance For PTSD?

To claim Attendance Allowance, one would need to make sure that they qualify on the following grounds:

• be under State Pension Age 
• require help with washing themselves, getting dressed, or need to be monitored to remain safe during the day or night
• be faced with a physical or mental illness, disability, or terminal illness that increases the requirement of being supervised or being taken care of by someone else
• be in England at the time of making the claim and must have lived in England for at least 2 of the previous 3 years

To claim Attendance Allowance, claimants must fill out the Attendance Allowance claim form and send it to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance (there is no requirement for a postcode or stamp).

Attendance Allowance is paid at two separate rates; depending upon the level of care that the recipient requires as per their disability. Individuals who require help either during the day or night are entitled to £60 per week as Attendance Allowance; while those who require help during the day and night and/or are facing a terminal illness are eligible to receive £89.60 per week. 

If you wish to claim Attendance Allowance, you can contact them on their helpline.

Can You Claim A PTSD Compensation?

Yes, there are certain circumstances under which one may be able to apply for a PTSD compensation claim. This is generally the case when the applicant has faced severe trauma such as:

• violence; either as a victim or a witness
• physical or sexual abuse
• mugging or robbery
• being declared as terminally ill
• the sudden, unexpected death of someone close
• being a victim of a natural disaster

In the case of minor PTSD which leads to full recovery in a couple of years, claimants will be able to receive between £3,950 to £8,180 in compensation. The amount will depend on their circumstances, the severity of the cause and the length of the recovery period.

On the extreme end, if someone experiences PTSD that exhibits no sign of recovery and has deeply impacted and altered their entire life (possibly those of family members as well), the victim will be able to claim between £59,860 to £100,670 in compensation.

To file your claim for PTSD compensation, you will need professional advice and the services of a solicitor to guide you through the process.

Conclusion:

We’ve learnt through the discussion in this blog post that victims of PTSD can claim the same benefits as a mental health patient would. These include Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments, Universal Credit, Income Support, Attendance Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance. Additionally, some individuals may also be able to apply for grants through charities or support through the NHS to help them meet their living expenses as well as therapy while they overcome their condition.

FAQs: Can You Claim Benefits If You Have PTSD?

Is PTSD classed as a disability?

While PTSD on its own is not a disability. However, if the symptoms last for more than a year and restrict one’s ability to perform basic tasks in everyday life or hampers the quality of their life, their condition can be termed a disability.

How much does PTSD disability pay?

In the case of minor PTSD which leads to full recovery in a couple of years, claimants will be able to receive between £3,950 to £8,180 in compensation. On the extreme end, if someone experiences severe PTSD that exhibits little to no sign of recovery, the victim will be able to claim between £59,860 to £100,670 in compensation.

What are the benefits of a Disability Living Allowance?

A Disability Living Allowance is a tax-free state benefit that provides financial support to individuals with a disability to meet the additional costs for mobility and care.

How do you prove you have PTSD?

While there is a formal assessment by a medical practitioner to confirm PTSD, generally speaking, if someone has bad dreams, flashbacks or frightening thoughts for more than a month, it would serve as proof of PTSD.

Is it hard to meet the disability requirements for PTSD?

Yes, in most cases it is difficult for PTSD victims to provide relevant and accurate data that can support their claim for a disability listing requirement.

References:

Benefits and mental health | Disability charity Scope the UK

When a mental health condition becomes a disability – GOV.UK

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Health Assured

PTSD Claims & Compensation Payout Amounts | Accident Claims Advice