MENTAL health problems are being made worse because of "complex" and "stressful" Universal Credit and benefit applications.

According to new research from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI), nine in ten (94 per cent) feel anxious about the benefits process.

And four in five (82 per cent) struggle to gather the right information and medical evidence when applying for benefits.

In addition, nine in 10 (93 per cent) see their mental health deteriorate while they wait to attend a benefits medical assessment.

The charity says nearly half (47 per cent) of working age people receiving out-of-work benefits in England have a mental health problem, such as depression and anxiety.

But it warns that sufferers can struggle to navigate the benefits system because of symptoms such as reduced concentration, an impulsive nature and memory problems.

The report also found that less than one in five (19 per cent) feel their benefits assessor understood the impact of their mental health problems.

Others (81 per cent) felt their mental health meant they couldn't challenge benefits decisions.

The MMHPI is now calling on the Government to put specific support in place for people with severe mental health problems who are accessing benefits.

Here at The Sun, we're also campaigning to Make Universal Credit Work.

We want to see people being paid faster, claimants being allowed to keep more of what they earn, and families getting upfront help with childcare costs.

Helen Undy, chief executive of the MMHPI, said: “Accessing the benefits system can be a difficult task for anyone, but if you’re struggling with your mental health it can feel almost impossible.

"The obstacles that people with mental health problems face at every stage of the system not only cause unnecessary distress, they’re also resulting in people missing out on crucial support they are entitled to, or falling out of the system entirely."

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says staff are trained to work with people suffering from mental health issues and adds that claimants may also qualify for an "alternate payment arrangement".

This can mean you get payments more frequently than monthly, that rent payments go directly to landlords or that benefits payments are split between spouses.

A spokesperson for the DWP said: “Universal Credit is a force for good, and where challenges remain we will continue to make improvements.

“We are committed to supporting the most vulnerable claimants and our new partnership with Citizens Advice will provide further tailored help.”