The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that nearly 1.2 million adults in the UK are receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for over 85 musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. These conditions include arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis, among others.
Individuals aged 16 to State Pension age with a musculoskeletal condition may be eligible for PIP, which provides between £29.20 and £187.45 per week. Paid every four weeks, this amounts to between £116.80 and £749.80 per payment period. Additionally, those with limited work ability due to symptoms could qualify for 'new style' Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
The average processing time for new PIP claims is currently 15 weeks, meaning applications submitted now could be processed by the end of January, with back payments issued. The DWP data from July shows over one million claimants receiving support for MSK conditions, with a list of 87 conditions covered, though the list is not exhaustive.
PIP awards are based on how a condition affects daily living or mobility needs, not the condition itself. Therefore, even if a specific condition is not listed, individuals are encouraged to apply if they meet the eligibility criteria.
