000 01839nam a22001577a 4500
999 _c518776
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100 _aPybus, K. et al
_930066
245 _aFunctional assessments in the UK social security system: The experiences of claimants with mental health conditions
260 _aJournal of Social Policy
300 _a50(2), Apr, 2021: p.305-322
520 _aEligibility for health-related income benefits in the United Kingdom is now determined through the use of functional assessments conducted by healthcare professionals. Claimant satisfaction with both Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Work Capability Assessments (WCA) has been mixed and concerns have been raised that mental health conditions are not well-understood in this context, but academic research has so far been limited. Individuals with a range of common mental disorders and severe mental illness were interviewed (n=) about their experiences of undergoing eligibility assessments for health-related income benefits. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Eleven out of the  participants had been turned down for one or more income benefits and successful claims were more likely where supported by health and care professionals. Eligibility assessments were overwhelmingly perceived as focusing on physical health with limited scope to explore the impact of mental health on functioning. Evidence from this and other studies suggests that improvements are needed to the eligibility assessment process for all claimants but particularly those with a mental health condition. – Reproduced
650 _aMental health, Social security, Functional assessments, PIP, WCA, Welfare reform
_928655
773 _aJournal of Social Policy
906 _aSOCIAL SECURITY - UNITED KINGDOM
942 _cAR