The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that over 1.1 million adults in Great Britain are currently receiving financial assistance through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions, which affect the body’s muscles, bones, joints, and related structures, can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks and reduce mobility.
If you have a musculoskeletal condition that impacts your ability to carry out daily activities, PIP could provide the financial support you need to improve your quality of life.
What Are Musculoskeletal Conditions?
Musculoskeletal conditions refer to health problems that affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones, and other related parts of the body. Some of the most common musculoskeletal conditions include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Back pain
- Osteoporosis
- Gout
These conditions can limit your ability to move or perform everyday tasks, making it difficult to live independently. PIP can help individuals manage these challenges by providing financial assistance.
Who Can Claim PIP for Musculoskeletal Conditions?
To be eligible for PIP (or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland), you must be between 16 years old and the State Pension age. Your musculoskeletal condition must significantly affect your ability to carry out daily living tasks or get around.
If your condition also impacts your ability to work, you may also be eligible for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
As of the latest statistics, over 1.1 million people in the UK are receiving PIP for musculoskeletal conditions, underlining the widespread impact these conditions have on daily life.
Financial Support Through PIP
If you qualify for PIP, you could receive between £29.20 and £187.45 per week. Since PIP is paid every four weeks, this means you could receive between £116.80 and £749.80 per pay period.
The amount you receive will depend on the severity of your condition and how much it limits your daily activities or mobility.
The average processing time for new PIP claims is around 15 weeks, so applicants who apply now may expect their claims to be processed by July 2025.
Musculoskeletal Conditions Covered by PIP
PIP can assist people with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a list of some of the conditions that may qualify you for PIP:
General Musculoskeletal Conditions:
- Osteoarthritis (in various joints like hips, knees, and more)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic pain syndrome
- Gout
- Osteoporosis
- Lupus
- Ankylosing spondylitis
Regional Musculoskeletal Conditions:
- Shoulder disorders (e.g., frozen shoulder, rotator cuff issues)
- Back pain and spinal disorders (e.g., herniated discs, scoliosis)
- Hip and knee disorders (e.g., bursitis, meniscal lesions)
- Elbow, wrist, and hand conditions (e.g., tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome)
This list is not exhaustive, so even if your condition is not listed here, you may still be eligible for PIP if it significantly affects your daily living or mobility.
How to Qualify for PIP or ADP?
To qualify for PIP or ADP, your musculoskeletal condition must cause significant difficulties with daily activities or mobility for at least three months. You must also expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months.
You also need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years. Eligibility is based on how your condition affects you personally, not just the name of the condition itself.
For example, if you need assistance with tasks such as preparing meals, managing medication, or moving around, you may be eligible for PIP or ADP.
How to Apply for PIP
If you think you might be eligible for PIP, the application process is straightforward. You can apply by contacting the DWP through the GOV.UK website. You will need to provide:
- Your contact details
- National Insurance number
- Bank details
- Details about your health condition (e.g., a doctor’s note)
Once your application is submitted, the DWP will assess your eligibility based on the information you provide and may request further details or a medical assessment.
FAQs
What are musculoskeletal conditions?
Musculoskeletal conditions are health problems that affect the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. These conditions often cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving.
How do I apply for PIP if I have a musculoskeletal condition?
You can apply for PIP by contacting the DWP via the GOV.UK website. You will need to provide details about your condition and personal information.
What conditions are covered under PIP for musculoskeletal disorders?
Conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis are some of the musculoskeletal conditions that may qualify you for PIP.
How much can I receive from PIP for musculoskeletal conditions?
Depending on the severity of your condition, you can receive between £29.20 and £187.45 per week. The payments are made every four weeks, so you could receive between £116.80 and £749.80 per pay period.
Who is eligible for PIP or ADP?
To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must be under the State Pension age, have a condition that significantly affects daily living or mobility, and expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months.
