The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that up to £750 every four weeks is available for people suffering from a wide range of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. These include arthritis, chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and many others that affect the joints, bones, and muscles.
According to the latest figures, nearly 1.2 million adults in the UK are receiving support for over 85 different MSK conditions through Personal Independence Payment (PIP)—a benefit designed to help people manage the extra costs of long-term health conditions or disabilities.
If you live with one of these conditions and your daily life or mobility is affected, you may be entitled to significant financial help from the DWP.
Payment
PIP is available to people aged 16 and over but under State Pension age, and is not means-tested, meaning your income or savings don’t affect your eligibility.
The amount you receive depends on how much your condition affects your ability to carry out everyday tasks or move around independently.
Here’s how the current PIP payment rates break down:
| Component | Weekly Rate | Four-Week Total |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Rate | £29.20 | £116.80 |
| Higher Rate | £187.45 | £749.80 |
That means successful applicants can receive up to £749.80 every four weeks—or just under £750, depending on their assessment.
The DWP reports that new PIP claims take an average of 15 weeks to process. So if you apply now, you could start receiving backdated payments by late January 2026.
Conditions
The term musculoskeletal condition refers to any disorder that impacts the body’s movement system—this includes bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves.
The DWP recognises 87 different MSK conditions for PIP claims. Some of the most common include:
- Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Back pain and spinal issues
- Gout, Lupus, and Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Osteoporosis and other bone disorders
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
- Shoulder, knee, hip, or foot disorders
- Joint dislocations, ligament injuries, and fractures
Even if your exact condition is not listed, you may still qualify—because PIP is awarded based on how a condition affects your life, not the name of the diagnosis.
Commonly Supported Conditions (Examples):
- Osteoarthritis (hip, knee, or other joint)
- Fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis and lupus
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Scoliosis and spinal stenosis
- Frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, and tendon disorders
- Amputations and post-fracture complications
The DWP emphasises that this list is not exhaustive, and many other MSK conditions may qualify.
Eligibility
You could be eligible for PIP if:
- You are aged 16 or over and under State Pension age
- You have a musculoskeletal condition that’s expected to last at least 12 months
- Your condition limits your ability to carry out daily tasks or move around
- You live in the UK and have been resident for the past two of the last three years
If your condition affects your ability to work, you may also be able to claim ‘New Style’ Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) alongside PIP.
Application
Applying for PIP involves:
- Calling the DWP to start your claim
- Filling out the “How your disability affects you” form
- Attending an assessment, where a medical professional will evaluate how your condition impacts your daily life
- Waiting for a decision—average processing time is around 15 weeks
If approved, your payment will be backdated to the date you started your claim.
FAQs
How much can I get from PIP?
Up to £749.80 every four weeks, depending on your assessment.
What conditions are covered by PIP?
Over 85 musculoskeletal conditions including arthritis and back pain.
How long does a PIP claim take?
The average processing time is about 15 weeks.
Do I need a diagnosis to claim PIP?
No, it depends on how your condition affects your daily life.
Can I claim ESA with PIP?
Yes, if your condition affects your ability to work, ESA may be available.
