More than 1.2 million people in England and Wales receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for muscle and joint conditions, according to the latest Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures. This accounts for nearly one in three of the 4.1 million people claiming the disability benefit.
PIP can be worth up to £778 every four-week payment period for those receiving the higher rates of both the daily living and mobility components. Musculoskeletal conditions affect muscles, bones, joints, and surrounding tissues, potentially impacting mobility and daily activities.
86 conditions listed
DWP data lists 86 individual musculoskeletal conditions among the health issues recorded for PIP claimants. However, PIP is not awarded based on diagnosis alone. Entitlement depends on how a long-term condition affects a person's ability to carry out specific daily living and mobility activities.
At the end of July 2026, 1,253,147 PIP claimants had a musculoskeletal condition as their main disabling condition, equivalent to 30.6 per cent of the total caseload. Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has replaced PIP in Scotland, delivered by Social Security Scotland, and currently supports over 510,000 Scots.
Eligibility and payment rates
To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have difficulties with daily living or getting around for three months and expect these to continue for at least nine months. You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when applying.
A successful claim is worth between £30.30 and £194.60 per week, paid every four weeks, amounting to between £121.20 and £778.40 per payment period. The average processing time for new PIP claims is 18 weeks, while ADP claims take just over 17 weeks.
Full list of 86 conditions
The list includes osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, and other joints, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, osteoporosis, and many more. It is not definitive, so if your condition is not listed, you can still claim if it affects your daily living or mobility.
Payments are made up of daily living and mobility components. Daily living rates are £76.70 (standard) and £114.60 (enhanced) per week. Mobility rates are £30.30 (standard) and £80.00 (enhanced) per week.
For new claims, contact the DWP via GOV.UK for PIP, or for ADP, call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 or visit MYGOV.SCOT.
