The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides financial assistance through the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to those who require support due to long-term illnesses or disabilities.
This benefit, which is not reliant on National Insurance contributions and is not means-tested, offers financial aid to people under the State Pension age who need help with daily activities or mobility. If you have one of 87 specific musculoskeletal conditions, you may be eligible for up to £749 per month.
This article outlines the conditions that may qualify for PIP, the different components of the payment, and how to apply for assistance.
What is PIP?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit designed to assist people who need help with day-to-day activities or getting around because of a long-term illness or disability.
- Eligibility: PIP is available to people under State Pension age who are unable to carry out tasks like cooking, dressing, or moving around due to their condition.
- Non-means tested: PIP is not based on your income, savings, or National Insurance contributions, meaning your savings will not affect your eligibility.
- Flexible spending: The amount you receive can be spent as you choose on anything that helps with your condition.
How PIP is Assessed
Your eligibility and the amount of PIP you receive depend on how much difficulty you have performing certain activities, such as:
- Preparing food or eating
- Dressing and undressing
- Washing and bathing
- Using the toilet
- Managing money
PIP consists of two parts:
- Daily living component: For help with personal care or activities like managing medications.
- Mobility component: For people who need assistance with getting around or using transport.
You may qualify for either one or both components of the PIP.
Musculoskeletal Conditions That Could Qualify for PIP
There are 87 musculoskeletal conditions that may make you eligible for PIP. These conditions are categorized as general and regional, and include a wide range of arthritis, pain syndromes, fractures, and joint disorders. Some of the conditions are listed below:
General Conditions
- Osteoarthritis – Including osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, and other joints.
- Chronic pain syndrome and Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout and Pseudogout
- Osteoporosis and Paget’s disease
Crystal Deposition Disorders
- Gout
- Pseudogout
Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
- Osteomalacia
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
- Paget’s disease
Benign Bone Tumors
- Tumors of bone – benign
Fracture Complications
- Compartment syndrome
- Fracture complications – Other
Regional Conditions
- Shoulder Disorders (e.g., frozen shoulder, rotator cuff disorder)
- Elbow Disorders (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow)
- Wrist and Hand Disorders (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren’s contracture)
- Neck and Back Disorders (e.g., cervical spondylosis, scoliosis, lumbar disc lesions)
- Hip and Knee Disorders (e.g., bursitis, patellar dislocation)
- Foot and Ankle Disorders (e.g., hallux valgus, club foot)
- Amputations (e.g., lower limb amputation)
If you suffer from one of the 87 musculoskeletal conditions listed, you may be eligible for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This benefit helps to cover the costs associated with daily living and mobility.
The assessment process for PIP takes into account the severity of your condition and how it impacts your ability to perform everyday tasks.
By applying for PIP, you can receive financial assistance tailored to your specific needs, whether for daily living or mobility support.
FAQs
What is the amount I can receive from PIP?
PIP offers two parts: the daily living component and the mobility component, each with its own rates. You may qualify for one or both depending on the severity of your condition.
Is PIP means-tested?
No, PIP is not means-tested. It is based solely on your health condition and the difficulty you experience with daily tasks, not on your income or savings.
How do I apply for PIP?
To apply for PIP, you can start by calling the DWP or applying online. You will need to provide medical evidence and complete a form describing how your condition affects your daily life.