Living with arthritis can impact every aspect of daily life from getting dressed in the morning to walking short distances or preparing meals. For many in the UK, arthritis particularly generalised osteoarthritis can be severely debilitating.
That’s why the government’s Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a critical benefit for thousands of people coping with chronic conditions. But can you get PIP for arthritis?
This guide explains who qualifies, what evidence helps, and how to make a successful claim in 2024.
What Is PIP And How Does It Support People With Arthritis?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit in the UK that supports individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities that affect their ability to carry out daily tasks or move around.
It is specifically designed for people aged 16 and over who have not yet reached state pension age.
PIP is composed of two main parts:
- The Daily Living Component, for individuals who require help with routine personal tasks
- The Mobility Component, for those who need assistance with getting around or planning journeys
Each component is paid at either a standard or enhanced rate depending on the severity of the disability. People with arthritis may qualify for either or both components if their condition significantly impacts their everyday life.
Who Qualifies For PIP With Arthritis?
To qualify for PIP due to arthritis, you must meet basic eligibility criteria set by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP):
- Be aged 16 or older
- Make your claim before reaching the state pension age
- Have a disability or condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months
- Experience difficulty with daily living tasks or mobility activities
People with arthritis, especially generalised osteoarthritis, often experience chronic pain, limited joint movement, and fatigue, all of which can interfere with daily functioning. These functional limitations are key to determining eligibility, rather than the medical diagnosis itself.
There are also separate classifications for single-joint arthritis like knee or hip osteoarthritis, and all forms may be considered for PIP if the condition limits independence.
How Common Is It To Get PIP For Arthritis In The UK
Arthritis is one of the most frequently cited conditions in successful PIP claims. According to 2024 data from the DWP:
- 192,509 people receive PIP with generalised osteoarthritis listed as the main disabling condition
- When including claims for single-joint arthritis (hip, knee, etc.), the total rises to 265,430
- Generalised osteoarthritis is the third most common condition for PIP awards out of more than 500 tracked by the DWP
These figures indicate a strong precedent for approval when arthritis significantly impacts daily living or mobility.
What Types Of Evidence Help Support A PIP Claim For Arthritis?
A successful PIP claim relies heavily on the applicant providing detailed, consistent evidence about how their arthritis affects them functionally. This evidence should ideally cover both the medical diagnosis and the practical impact.
Helpful supporting documents include:
- GP and specialist medical reports
- Physiotherapy notes and treatment summaries
- Occupational therapy assessments
- Medication lists and care plans
- Statements from carers, friends, or family members
- Personal diaries that describe difficulties in daily life
Examples of useful evidence might involve the use of assistive devices like walking sticks, adapted cutlery, or shower seats. If you require supervision, prompting, or assistance to perform certain tasks, this should be clearly documented and evidenced.
What Are The Success And Award Rates For PIP With Arthritis
Arthritis-related conditions have a higher-than-average success rate when it comes to PIP claims. For generalised osteoarthritis:
- The overall success rate is 72 percent, significantly higher than the average of 53 percent across all conditions
- Around 98 percent of successful claimants receive the Daily Living Component
- 77 percent receive the Mobility Component
PIP Award Distribution For Generalised Osteoarthritis
| Component | Enhanced Rate | Standard Rate | No Award |
| Daily Living | 31% | 67% | 2% |
| Mobility | 43% | 34% | 23% |
In terms of demographics, the majority of claimants fall into the middle to older age categories:
- 16–29 years: 0%
- 30–49 years: 7%
- 50–64 years: 47%
- 65 and over: 46%
Weekly Payment Rates (From April 2024)
| Component | Standard Rate | Enhanced Rate |
| Daily Living | £72.65 | £108.55 |
| Mobility | £28.70 | £75.75 |
A claimant receiving the enhanced rate for both components could receive £184.30 per week, which can be a significant contribution toward managing their condition. This amount is tax-free and does not impact other benefits.
What Activities Do They Assess For PIP Eligibility?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uses a structured framework to assess how a claimant’s condition affects their everyday life.
This framework is based on specific daily living and mobility activities that reflect the common challenges faced by people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, such as arthritis.
These activities are assessed during the claim process and help determine eligibility and the level of benefit awarded.
Each activity is broken down into descriptors, which describe different levels of difficulty or need for assistance.
Points are awarded based on the descriptors that best apply to the claimant’s situation. A total of at least eight points in one component (daily living or mobility) is required for a standard award, and at least twelve points for an enhanced award.
Daily Living Activities Assessed
The daily living component of PIP considers whether a person requires help to complete everyday personal care tasks. These are tasks that most people perform as part of their routine but can become difficult or unsafe for individuals with arthritis due to joint pain, stiffness, or fatigue.
The assessed activities include:
Preparing Food
This involves chopping, peeling, boiling, and safely using kitchen equipment. For individuals with arthritis, pain in the hands, wrists, or shoulders may make handling kitchen utensils difficult. You may also need to use adaptive tools or require supervision to avoid injury.
Taking Nutrition
This activity assesses your ability to eat and drink independently. Joint pain may affect your ability to hold cutlery or lift food or drink to your mouth, especially during flare-ups or in advanced stages of arthritis.
Managing Therapy or Monitoring a Health Condition
You are assessed on your ability to manage medication and treatment. For instance, opening pill containers or applying topical treatments may be impossible without assistance if your fingers or wrists are severely affected.
Washing and Bathing
This includes getting in and out of the bath or shower, using taps, and washing different parts of your body. Reduced mobility or poor balance may increase your risk of falling in the bathroom, requiring the use of grab rails, a shower chair, or a carer’s help.
Managing Toilet Needs or Incontinence
You are evaluated on your ability to reach and use the toilet, as well as clean yourself afterwards. Arthritis may affect your ability to sit down and stand up from the toilet safely or wipe yourself properly without help.
Dressing and Undressing
This activity includes putting on and taking off clothes. People with arthritis may have difficulty bending, stretching, or using their hands to fasten buttons or zips, especially when dressing the lower half of the body.
Communicating Verbally
Though not commonly impacted by arthritis alone, this activity is still assessed. Any coexisting conditions affecting speech or hearing would be considered here.
Reading and Understanding Signs, Symbols, and Words
This looks at your ability to read and comprehend basic information. While not directly related to arthritis, any cognitive impairment due to medication side effects or related conditions may be relevant.
Engaging With Other People Face-To-Face
Social interaction can be affected if you experience anxiety or depression linked to chronic pain or mobility issues. This can reduce your confidence or ability to communicate effectively with others.
Making Budgeting Decisions
This assesses your ability to understand financial concepts and make decisions about spending and saving. This may only apply if arthritis is linked to other conditions that affect cognition or decision-making.
Mobility Activities Assessed
The mobility component of PIP looks at the claimant’s ability to move around and navigate their environment safely. Arthritis, particularly in the knees, hips, spine, or feet, can severely affect a person’s mobility, balance, and stamina.
There are two mobility activities considered:
Planning and Following Journeys
This assesses mental and cognitive abilities. It includes understanding directions, using public transport, or dealing with unexpected changes. While arthritis does not directly affect mental function, anxiety related to chronic illness can sometimes limit confidence in travelling independently.
Moving Around
This activity measures the physical ability to walk specific distances on level ground. The DWP looks at whether you can walk:
- More than 200 metres
- Between 50 and 200 metres
- Between 20 and 50 metres
- Less than 20 metres
The decision is based not just on whether you can walk that distance, but whether you can do so safely, repeatedly, in a reasonable time, and to an acceptable standard. For someone with arthritis, walking may be limited by pain, joint stiffness, or fatigue. Use of walking aids is considered, but so is whether the use of those aids is feasible or effective, especially if arthritis affects grip strength or hand function.
Important Considerations In The Assessment
When evaluating how arthritis affects your ability to complete these activities, the DWP considers several key factors:
- Can the activity be done safely, without the risk of injury or harm?
- Can it be done to an acceptable standard, without substantial difficulty?
- Can it be done repeatedly, as often as needed throughout the day?
- Can it be done within a reasonable time, not taking twice as long as someone without the condition?
Even if you can technically complete a task, if it causes you significant pain, requires repeated rest breaks, or you cannot do it multiple times in a day, you may still be awarded points.
How Can Arthritis Impact Your Ability To Meet PIP Criteria?
Arthritis can cause a wide range of functional limitations that relate directly to the activities assessed for PIP. Common symptoms include chronic joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility, all of which make completing everyday tasks more difficult.
Here are several examples of how arthritis may meet PIP assessment criteria:
- Pain or joint instability in the knees may require the use of aids like perching stools or walking frames during cooking or washing
- Swollen or stiff hands can make it difficult to grip utensils, open packaging, or manage medication
- Bathing may require a shower seat or grab rails due to difficulty standing for long periods
- Dressing may be impaired by reduced flexibility, requiring adapted clothing like wraparound garments or front-fastening bras
- In some cases, assistance from another person may be needed to ensure safety while performing routine activities
The more detailed and practical your explanation, the better your chances of receiving the correct points and ultimately a fair award.
How Do You Apply For PIP If You Have Arthritis?
The process of claiming PIP involves several steps, and being well-prepared can greatly improve your success rate.
Steps To Apply For PIP
- Initial Contact: Call the DWP or initiate a claim online to request the application pack.
- Complete the PIP2 Form: The form, titled “How your disability affects you”, requires detailed information about how your condition impacts your day-to-day life.
- Submit Evidence: Along with your form, include any supporting documents such as medical letters or care plans.
- Assessment: You may be asked to attend a medical assessment, which could be via phone, video, or in-person. The assessor evaluates how your condition affects your ability to perform daily activities.
- Receive a Decision; A decision letter is sent by post. It will outline the components you’ve been awarded and at what rate.
Preparation is key. Using a guide like the one offered by Benefits and Work can help you understand how to complete each section of the form effectively and ensure consistency between the form and your verbal statements during assessment.
What If Your PIP Claim Is Rejected?
If your PIP application is denied or you are awarded a lower rate than expected, you have options:
- Mandatory Reconsideration: You can ask the DWP to review their decision. This must be requested within one month of the decision letter.
- Appeal: If reconsideration is unsuccessful, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. Providing additional or updated evidence can improve your case.
- Seek Support: Consider getting help from local Citizens Advice or using specialist online guides that walk you through the appeal process.
Claimants who prepare thoroughly and present consistent, evidence-based information significantly improve their chances of overturning an initial decision.
Where Can You Get Help To Claim PIP For Arthritis?
Multiple resources are available to support claimants in preparing and submitting their PIP applications. These organisations can guide you through the complexities of the process:
- Benefits and Work offers in-depth guides on every stage of the PIP process, from application to appeal
- Citizens Advice provides one-on-one support in local branches throughout the UK
- Versus Arthritis is a national charity offering advice specifically for those living with arthritis
- Online communities and forums can also be helpful for understanding what to expect from assessments and for gathering tips from others who have gone through the process
It is often helpful to consult more than one resource to ensure you are fully informed and supported throughout your claim.
Conclusion
Living with arthritis can make everyday tasks a real challenge. If your condition affects your ability to live independently or move around safely, then you may be eligible for PIP. The high success rates and significant financial support make it a valuable benefit to pursue.
With guidance from expert resources and accurate documentation of your condition, your chances of receiving PIP are strong—especially if you’re affected by generalised osteoarthritis. Don’t hesitate to take the first step.
FAQs About PIP and Arthritis
What is the difference between generalised and localised osteoarthritis?
Generalised osteoarthritis affects multiple joints throughout the body, while localised osteoarthritis is restricted to a single joint, like a knee or hip. Both may qualify for PIP, but generalised osteoarthritis tends to result in broader functional limitations.
Can I claim PIP if I already receive other disability benefits?
Yes, PIP can be paid on top of many other benefits and, in some cases, may increase your overall entitlement. It is not means-tested and doesn’t reduce other benefit amounts.
What if I have multiple health conditions along with arthritis?
You should include all health conditions that impact your daily living or mobility in your PIP claim. The DWP will assess the cumulative effect on your functionality.
Do I need a formal arthritis diagnosis to claim PIP?
While a diagnosis can support your claim, PIP is based more on how your condition affects your daily life rather than the diagnosis itself. Functional evidence is most important.
What kind of assessments are conducted for PIP?
The DWP may conduct telephone, face-to-face or video assessments to understand your limitations. The assessor will ask about your condition, treatment, and how it impacts your daily activities.
How long does it take to receive a decision on a PIP claim?
It can take several weeks to months. You’ll receive a letter once the assessment is complete and the decision has been made. You may also request a copy of the assessor’s report.
Can I use aids or adaptations and still qualify for PIP?
Yes. If you need to use aids to complete tasks, or still struggle even with those aids, you may score points towards PIP eligibility.
