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<p>No specific assessment has been made on the impact on the mental health of people
receiving benefits of the recent increase in the cost of living. The Government understands
the pressures people are facing with the cost of living: that is why it is providing
over £37 billion of support this year. This includes the £650 Cost of Living Payment
which is designed to target support at low-income households on means-tested benefits.
In addition, 6 million eligible disabled people will receive a one-off, disability
Cost of Living Payment of £150. And pensioner households will receive a separate one-off
payment of £300 (through and as an addition to the Winter Fuel Payment).</p><p> </p><p>People
that are receiving benefits can access mental health support in a number of ways such
as seeking a referral from GP in the first instance. In addition, all NHS mental health
providers have established 24/7 all-age urgent mental health helplines for people
in crisis or for those worried about someone who may be experiencing a mental health
crisis. Details of these helplines are available on the NHS website at: <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/?msclkid=d7665cfdd11411ec8e594720acce865c"
target="_blank">Where to get urgent help for mental health - NHS (www.nhs.uk)</a>.
Administrative data on mental health support and benefit receipt are not routinely
linked so we cannot estimate the number of people on benefits who receive mental health
support.</p><p> </p><p>Evidence suggests that good, appropriate paid work can be beneficial
for individuals' health and wellbeing. We offer specialist support for people with
mental health conditions to stay in and return to work, often working jointly with
the health system, through:</p><p> </p><ul><li>our Employment Advice in Improving
Access to Psychological Therapy (EAs in IAPT) services. Since 2017 we have invested
a total of £82million on expanding the number of EAs in IAPT services and we have
committed to expand the service across England. Evidence on EAs in IAPT found that
those receiving employment support in addition to mental health support showed greater
improvements to their mental health compared to those receiving mental health support
alone. In addition, those out of work on entry to the EAs in IAPT service were more
likely to be active in the labour market (through employment or looking for employment)
at the end of their treatment than those receiving mental health support alone. Employment
Advisers (EAs) work with JCP colleagues to ensure that JCP clients who could benefit
from IAPT treatment are signposted to receive an IAPT assessment.</li><li>the Access
to Work Mental Health Support Service</li><li>the Mental Health and Productivity Pilot
across the Midlands Engine region, which seeks out opportunities to improve productivity
through improving employee's mental health.</li><li>our trials of Individual Placement
and Support for people with common mental health and/or physical health conditions.</li></ul><p>
</p><p>We will also work closely with DHSC and other government departments in supporting
the new cross government 10-year plan for mental health and wellbeing for England.</p>
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