DWP pays £737 a month to people with 87 muscle or joint conditions

A DWP list shows the 87 musculoskeletal conditions for which you could be eligible for financial support. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new figures showing that more than 1.1 million adults in the UK are in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Musculoskeletal disorders refer to injuries and conditions that affect the movement of the body or the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, and blood vessels. Arthritis is a broad term that encompasses many of these conditions, with common examples including osteoarthritis, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, gout, polymyalgia rheumatica, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis.

If you are aged 16 or over but have not yet reached state pension age, you may be eligible for PIP to help with a musculoskeletal condition. If your ability to work is limited because of your symptoms, you may be eligible for the ‘new style’ Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

The latest DWP data also shows that there are now 3.5 million people in Scotland, England and Wales claiming PIP, including almost 218,859 living in Scotland, the Daily Record reports. Successful claims for PIP can offer additional financial support, ranging from £28.70 to £184.30 a week. Given that the benefit is paid every four weeks, this works out at between £114.80 and £737.20 per pay period.

PIP claimants with musculoskeletal disorders

The latest data shows that in February 2024, more than one million people were receiving support for musculoskeletal conditions through PIP.

• England and Wales: 1,036,887

• Scotland: 64.202 (excluding transfers of business or new claims for adult disability benefits)

• Living abroad: 1,031

• Total: 1,102,171

Here is a list of 87 musculoskeletal conditions that are supported by PIP, either for daily living, mobility needs, or both. This list is not exhaustive.

If your condition doesn’t show up, don’t be discouraged from making a claim. PIP awards are based on how the condition affects you, not the condition itself.

Musculoskeletal Disorders – General

Musculoskeletal Disorders – Regional

Here’s a quick overview of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Who is eligible for PIP?

To be eligible for PIP you must have a health condition or disability that causes:

Normally, you must have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to the above, if your condition requires help or results in any of the following, you should consider applying for PIP.

• the preparation, cooking or eating of food

• manage your medication

• washing, bathing or going to the toilet

• dressing and undressing

• dealing with and communicating with other people

• reading and understanding written information

• making decisions about money

• plan a trip or follow a route

• move around

Different rules apply if you are terminally ill, which you can find on the GOV.UK website here . The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) assesses how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. They examine each task based on:

• whether you can do it safely

• how long does it take for you

• how often your condition affects this activity

• whether you need help to do this, from a person or with the help of additional equipment

How is PIP paid?

PIP is usually paid every four weeks, unless you are terminally ill. In that case, payments are made weekly. Payments are paid directly into your bank account, building society or credit union account.

What are the PIP payment percentages?

An assessment is required to determine the level of financial help you will receive, and your rate will be reviewed regularly to ensure you receive the right support. PIP has two components: Daily Living and Mobility.

The amount you receive for each depends on the severity of the impact your condition has on your life. The weekly payments are as follows:

Daily life

• Standard rate: £72.65

• Premium rate: £108.55

Mobility

• Standard rate: £28.70

• Premium rate: £715.75

Research

Your eligibility will be determined by an independent healthcare professional who will assess your needs to help the DWP determine what level of financial support you require. Assessments can take a variety of forms including face to face consultations, video calls, telephone or paper assessments. The type of assessment used will be determined by the healthcare professional and the DWP based on what is most appropriate for you.

To make a claim for PIP, you can contact the DWP directly. All the information you need to make a claim can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

Please have the following information ready before you call:

• Your contact details.

• Your date of birth.

• Your citizen service number (BSN): you will find this on letters about taxes, pensions and benefits.

• Your bank or building association account number and bank code.

• The name, address and telephone number of your doctor or health care provider.

• Dates and addresses are required for any periods in which you have been abroad, for example in a nursing home or hospital.