PIP and Arthritis: The Second Most Common Condition Behind Awards

DWP figures show musculoskeletal disease (general) — which includes most forms of arthritis — is recorded as the main condition on around 19% of PIP claims, second only to psychiatric disorders. If you’re under State Pension age and arthritis affects your daily living or your ability to get around (Attendance Allowance is the equivalent benefit above State Pension age), PIP is worth checking.

Both components can be relevant

Arthritis is unusual in that it can genuinely affect both the daily living component (dressing, preparing food, washing) and the mobility component (walking distance, standing) at the same time, which is part of why it appears so frequently among successful claims.

• Difficulty gripping, reaching or fastening buttons and zips because of joint pain or stiffness
• Reduced walking distance, or needing to stop and rest
• Difficulty standing at a worktop, sink or hob for any length of time
• Ongoing pain management routines, injections or physiotherapy
• Significant variation between good days and bad days

Where arthritis claims commonly go wrong

An assessment on a comparatively good day, described honestly but without emphasis on the worst days, can lead to a lower score than the reality justifies. PIP is meant to reflect your typical level of need across the condition, including the bad days — describing those accurately is what makes the biggest difference.