People with these 87 health conditions could be missing out on more than £700 every month

The UK Government's Department for Work and Pensions has revealed that more than 1.1 million adults in the UK are supported through Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for over 85 musculoskeletal conditions

More than 1.1 million UK adults are receiving aid via Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for a range of over 85 musculoskeletal conditions, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reports. These conditions include various ailments that affect movement or the musculoskeletal system, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs and blood vessels.

Arthritis serves as a blanket term for numerous conditions within this category, with common variants being osteoarthritis, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, gout, polymyalgia rheumatica, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Individuals aged 16 to State Pension age may be entitled to PIP to help manage a musculoskeletal condition. Furthermore, those whose work capacity is curtailed by their condition might qualify for the "new style" Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

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The most recent figures from the DWP also show that claimants of PIP in Scotland, England, and Wales have reached a collective total of 3.5 million. A successful PIP claim can lead to a weekly windfall ranging from £28.70 to £184.30, which equates to £114.80 to £737.20 per four-week payment cycle, offering substantial financial relief for those affected.

The latest data reveals that by the end of April 2024, over a million people were receiving support through PIP for Musculoskeletal conditions. Here's a list of 87 musculoskeletal conditions being supported through PIP to assist with either daily living, mobility needs or a combination of both components, reports the Mirror.

It's not exhaustive, so if your condition doesn't appear, don't be deterred from making a claim as an award for PIP is about how the condition affects you, not the condition itself. .

Who might qualify for PIP?

To be eligible for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability that causes difficulties with daily living or mobility (or both) for 3 months, with these difficulties expected to continue for at least 9 months. Typically, you need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be in the country when you apply.

Different rules apply if you are terminally ill, which can be found on the GOV. UK website.

How is PIP paid?

PIP is usually paid every four weeks, with the exception of terminally ill individuals who receive weekly payments. The funds are transferred directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.

An assessment is needed to establish the amount of financial assistance you're entitled to, and this rate is regularly reviewed to ensure it's appropriate for your needs. PIP consists of two components: Daily living and Mobility.

Whether you receive one or both of these, and the amount you get, depends on how severely your condition affects you. The following weekly payments will be made based on your circumstances:Daily living:Standard rate: £72.65Enhanced rate: £108.55Mobility:Standard rate: £28.70Enhanced rate: £715.75Assessment processAn independent healthcare professional will assess you to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need for PIP.

Health-related benefits consultations are offered face-to-face, via video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's crucial to understand that the health professional and DWP decide which type of assessment is most appropriate for each claimant. More information about DWP PIP assessments can be found here.

Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments unless this is preferred by the claimant.

How to claim for PIP?

You can initiate a new claim by contacting the DWP, all the necessary information to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website.