The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released figures showing that more than 1.1 million adults across Great Britain receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for over 85 musculoskeletal conditions. This includes 64,202 people living in Scotland. Musculoskeletal conditions affect the body's movement system, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs and blood vessels. Common examples include osteoarthritis, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, gout, polymyalgia rheumatica, lupus and ankylosing spondylitis.
Individuals aged 16 to State Pension age may be eligible for PIP or, in Scotland, Adult Disability Payment (ADP) to help with these conditions. If symptoms limit the ability to work, they might also qualify for 'new style' Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). The DWP data indicates that 3.5 million people across Scotland, England and Wales now claim PIP, including almost 218,859 in Scotland. However, as existing PIP claimants in Scotland transfer to ADP, that number will decrease.
A successful PIP or ADP claim provides between £28.70 and £184.30 per week, paid every four weeks, equating to £114.80 to £737.20 per payment period. The benefit is based on how the condition affects daily living and mobility, not the condition itself. The DWP lists 87 musculoskeletal conditions currently supported, but this is not exhaustive; individuals with other conditions should still consider applying.
Eligibility requires the applicant to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be present in the country when applying. Assessments consider the difficulty of daily living and mobility tasks. PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks, or weekly for terminally ill individuals. Payments are made directly into a bank, building society or credit union account. The assessment process may involve face-to-face consultations, video calls, telephone or paper-based assessments, determined by the health professional and DWP.
