Can You Claim PIP for Arthritis?

Arthritis is one of many musculoskeletal conditions experienced by people receiving PIP.

You may be able to claim PIP if arthritis makes everyday activities or mobility substantially more difficult.

The important issue is not simply whether you have arthritis.

DWP considers what your arthritis prevents you from doing reliably, safely and independently.

How arthritis can affect daily living

Arthritis may make activities such as the following difficult:

• preparing and chopping food
• opening containers
• washing and bathing
• dressing
• fastening buttons or zips
• using the toilet
• getting in and out of a bath or shower
• managing medication
• moving around your home

Pain, reduced grip strength, stiffness, fatigue and limited movement can all be relevant.

Arthritis and mobility

The PIP mobility assessment considers your ability to stand and move around.

This may be relevant if arthritis limits:

• how far you can walk
• how long you can stand
• how quickly you can move
• whether you need an aid
• whether you experience significant pain
• whether you can repeat the journey

You should not assess yourself simply on the maximum distance you can force yourself to walk once.

PIP considers whether activities can be carried out reliably.

Different forms of arthritis

PIP recipients may have conditions including:

• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• psoriatic arthritis
• inflammatory arthritis
• arthritis affecting hips
• arthritis affecting knees
• arthritis affecting hands
• arthritis affecting multiple joints

The diagnosis alone does not determine an award.

Could your arthritis qualify?

Our online PIP eligibility process considers the activities used in the official PIP assessment.

If arthritis is affecting your mobility or making ordinary everyday tasks difficult, you can complete our initial check.

Silverwings Benefits is an independent paid application assistance service. You can apply directly to DWP for PIP without paying for assistance.