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

The DWP list shows 87 muscle and joint conditions that could make you eligible for financial support. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published new figures showing that more than 1.1 million adults across the UK are receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

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

If you are aged 16 or over but under State Pension age, you may be eligible to claim PIP for a musculoskeletal condition. If your ability to work is restricted because of your symptoms, you may be eligible for ‘new style’ Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

The latest DWP figures also reveal that there are 3.5 million people claiming PIP across Scotland, England and Wales, with around 218,859 of those living in Scotland, the Daily Record reported. Successful claims for PIP can lead to additional financial support ranging from £28.70 to £184.30 each week. Given that the benefit is paid every four weeks, this works out to between £114.80 and £737.20 per payment period.

PIP claimants with musculoskeletal conditions

According to the latest data, as of February 2024, more than one million people are receiving support through PIP for musculoskeletal conditions.

• England and Wales: 1,036,887

• Scotland: 64.202 (Does not include case transfers or new claims for Adult Disability Payment)

• Living abroad: 1,031

• Total: 1,102,171

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

If your condition doesn’t appear, don’t give up on 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 brief overview of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Who can apply for PIP?

To qualify for PIP, you must have a medical condition or disability that causes:

Generally, you must have been resident 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, you should consider applying for PIP if your situation requires or results in assistance with any of the following:

• preparing, cooking or eating food

• managing your medications

• washing, bathing or using the toilet

• dressing and undressing

• interacting and communicating with other people

• reading and understanding written information

• making decisions about money

• to plan a journey or follow a route

• hang around

There are different rules if you have a terminal illness, you can find these on the GOV.UK website here . The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. They will look at each task based on:

• can you do this safely?

• How long does it take?

• how often your condition affects this activity

• Whether you need help from a person or extra equipment to do this

How is PIP paid?

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

What are the PIP payment rates?

An assessment is required to determine the level of financial assistance you will receive and your rate will be reviewed regularly to make sure you are receiving the appropriate support. PIP is made up of 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 price: £72.65

• Improved rate: £108.55

Mobility

• Standard fare: £28.70

• Improved rate: £715.75

Evaluation

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

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

Before you call, make sure you have the following information ready:

• Your contact information.

• Your date of birth.

• Your National Insurance Number – You can find this number on letters about tax, pensions and benefits.

• Your bank or building society account number and branch code.

• The name, address and telephone number of your doctor or healthcare professional.

• It is mandatory to report the dates and addresses of the periods spent abroad, in a nursing home or hospital.