The Personal Independence Payment (PIP), managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), offers vital financial support to individuals aged 16 to state pension age who face challenges with daily living or mobility due to health conditions. Among the many conditions covered by PIP, musculoskeletal disorders represent a significant category, with over 1.1 million claimants receiving assistance. These conditions, which affect the body’s movement, muscles, and joints, can severely impact daily life. With payments of up to £738 per month, eligible individuals are encouraged to apply and secure the help they need.
Understanding PIP and Its Benefits
PIP is designed to provide financial relief to those whose health conditions limit their ability to perform everyday tasks or move around. It is non-means-tested, meaning it is available regardless of income or savings, and it is divided into two components:
- Daily Living Component: Supports individuals with tasks such as cooking, dressing, or managing finances.
- Standard rate: £72.65 per week.
- Enhanced rate: £108.55 per week.
- Mobility Component: Assists those who struggle with movement and transportation.
- Standard rate: £28.70 per week.
- Enhanced rate: £75.75 per week.
Eligible claimants can receive up to £184.30 per week (approximately £738 per month).
Detailed List of Musculoskeletal Conditions Covered by PIP
Musculoskeletal conditions covered by PIP are diverse, reflecting the wide-ranging impact these disorders can have on individuals. Below is a comprehensive, alphabetically arranged list of these conditions:
1. General Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
- Chronic pain syndrome.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Pain syndromes – Chronic – Other/type not known.
2. Arthritis and Inflammatory Disorders
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
- Arthritis – Psoriatic.
- Arthritis – Reactive.
- Inflammatory arthritis – Other/type not known.
- Juvenile chronic arthritis (Still’s disease).
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Bone and Joint Disorders
- Crystal deposition disorders:
- Gout.
- Pseudogout.
- Other/type not known.
- Osteoarthritis:
- Generalised osteoarthritis.
- Osteoarthritis of hip.
- Osteoarthritis of knee.
- Osteoarthritis of other single joint.
- Osteonecrosis and osteochondritis:
- Osteonecrosis.
- Osteochondritis.
4. Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
- Osteomalacia.
- Osteoporosis.
- Paget’s disease.
- Rickets.
5. Genetic Disorders and Dysplasias
- Achondroplasia.
- Epiphyseal dysplasia – multiple.
- Hereditary multiple exostosis (diaphyseal aclasis).
- Hypermobility syndrome.
- Marfan’s syndrome.
- Osteogenesis imperfecta.
6. Regional Musculoskeletal Conditions
Shoulder Disorders
- Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder).
- Rotator cuff disorder.
- Shoulder instability.
- Other/type not known.
Elbow Disorders
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis).
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).
- Other/type not known.
Wrist and Hand Disorders
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Dupuytren’s contracture.
- Tenosynovitis.
- Other/type not known.
Neck Disorders
- Cervical disc lesion.
- Cervical spondylosis.
- Whiplash injury.
- Other/type not known.
Back Disorders
- Kyphosis.
- Lumbar disc lesion.
- Lumbar spondylosis.
- Non-specific (mechanical) back pain.
- Schuermann’s disease.
- Scoliosis.
- Spinal stenosis.
- Spondylolisthesis.
Hip Disorders
- Perthes disease.
- Slipped upper femoral epiphysis.
Knee Disorders
- Chondromalacia patellae.
- Ligamentous instability.
- Meniscal lesions.
- Osgood-Schlatter disease.
- Patellar dislocation (recurrent).
Ankle and Foot Disorders
- Club foot (talipes).
- Hallux valgus/rigidus.
- Metatarsalgia.
7. Fractures, Injuries, and Amputations
- Amputations:
- Upper limbs.
- Lower limbs.
- Upper and lower limbs.
- Fractures and injuries:
- Spine.
- Pelvis.
- Upper limbs.
- Lower limbs.
- Thorax.
8. Other Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Compartment syndrome (Volkmann’s ischaemia).
- Sudek’s atrophy.
Eligibility and Application Process
To qualify for PIP, individuals must have experienced challenges with daily living or mobility for at least 12 months and expect these difficulties to persist. Applications can be made through the PIP New Claims Helpline at 0800 917 2222, with an assessment to determine the severity of the condition.
Assessments are conducted by healthcare professionals and can take place in person, over the phone, via video call, or through a paper-based review. Decisions are based on how the condition impacts everyday tasks rather than the diagnosis itself.
Why PIP Matters
PIP offers essential financial support, helping claimants manage the added costs of living with a musculoskeletal condition. For many, these payments provide a critical lifeline, enabling them to access necessary care, equipment, and services.
If you or someone you know is living with any of the above conditions, consider applying for PIP. This financial assistance can significantly improve quality of life and ease the burden of managing long-term health challenges.
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