Tell us your story - welfare and benefits

For us to truly understand how the welfare system functions for people with experience of mental distress - what the problems are and how it could be improved - we need to hear from people with first-hand experience. 

If you have a story about the WCA, DLA, back-to-work schemes, or any other aspects of welfare or benefits that you'd like to tell us about, then please fill in the form at the bottom of the page. Please provide as much information as possible about when your experience took place, what happened and how it impacted on you.

We often use case studies to support our policy work and lobby government and that real life experience make our responses powerful.  Data collected will be kept in line with Mind's Privacy Policy. All data or quotes used to respond to government will be made anonymous. They will be attributed to ‘mental health service user’ or ‘respondent from Mind’s networks’. We may use this data again in future consultation responses. 

Where you can get help

We use people’s stories as case studies to inform and strengthen our efforts to bring about changes to legislation and practice. Due to issues of capacity and expertise, the Policy and Campaigns team are not able to offer personal support or advice, or to take up cases or campaigns on behalf of individuals.

• Some local Minds offer benefits advice: search for your nearest local Mind.
• Citizens Advice Bureau provide advice and support on benefits.
• If you are in crisis due to welfare and benefits issues then please read our crisis page.