The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is providing substantial financial support to nearly 1.2 million adults across the UK suffering from musculoskeletal conditions, with payments reaching up to £749.80 every four weeks.
What are musculoskeletal conditions?
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions encompass a wide range of disorders affecting the body's movement system, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. Common examples include arthritis, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis.
The DWP's latest data reveals that over one million people were receiving support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for more than 85 different musculoskeletal conditions at the end of July.
Financial support available
Successful PIP claims can provide between £29.20 and £187.45 per week, which translates to payments of £116.80 to £749.80 every four-week assessment period.
For those aged 16 to State Pension age whose ability to work is limited by their symptoms, there's also the option to claim 'new style' Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
The average processing time for new PIP claims currently stands at 15 weeks, meaning applications submitted now could be processed with back payments issued by the end of January.
Comprehensive list of covered conditions
The DWP supports numerous musculoskeletal conditions through PIP, including:
- Osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis
- Chronic pain syndrome and fibromyalgia
- Back pain and spinal conditions
- Joint disorders affecting shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles and feet
- Injuries, fractures and dislocations
- Genetic disorders and metabolic conditions
Crucially, PIP awards are based on how your condition affects you rather than the specific diagnosis itself. Even if your condition doesn't appear on the list, you should still consider making a claim if it impacts your daily living or mobility.
