Functional assessments in the UK social security system

The Experiences of Claimants With Mental Health Conditions

Datos Bibliográficos

ID2116155
AutoresKatie Pybus (0000-0002-9990-125X, Department of Medical Sciences, autor de correspondencia), Kate E Pickett (0000-0002-8066-8507, Department of Medical Sciences), Charlie Lloyd (University of York), Stephanie Prady, Stephanie L Prady (0000-0002-8933-8045, Department of Medical Sciences), Emeritus Richard Wilkinson (Department of Medical Sciences)
Año2021
Volumen50
Número2
Páginas305-322
Fecha de publicación2021-04-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaJournal of Social Policy (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0047-2794 • E-ISSN: 1469-7823
EditorialCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0047279420000094
OpenAlexW3024417121
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas3
Referencias citadas12

Eligibility 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=18) about their experiences of undergoing eligibility assessments for health-related income benefits. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.Eleven out of the 18 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

Context (archaeology) · Health care · Mental health · Mental illness · Plaintiff · Political science · Psychiatry · Qualitative research · Social security · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Employment and Welfare Studies · Healthcare innovation and challenges · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Social Policy and Reform Studies