The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed 87 musculoskeletal conditions that could make you eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging people to check their eligibility for a regular support payment of up to £110 per week. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is designed to help those living with long-term physical or mental health conditions, disabilities, or learning difficulties.
It’s especially useful for those of State Pension age who want to maintain their independence at home. PIP is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit that will pay either £73.90 or £110.40 per week during the 2025/26 financial year, depending on the level of support needed.
On 7 April 2025, these rates were increased by 1.7% in line with inflation, aiming to assist households manage rising living costs. Payments are typically made every four weeks, meaning eligible claimants will receive either £295.60 or £441.60 per pay period. Over the course of a year, this could amount to a maximum of £5,740.80, reports Wales Online.
Earlier this year, the DWP announced proposed changes to PIP expected to come into effect from November 2026, impacting both new and existing claimants. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter. Under the new rules, thousands of people are expected to lose their entitlement to PIP – a decision that has drawn widespread criticism.
The decision was later mostly reversed and no changes will take place next year, with a review to take place instead. Here’s the lowdown on PIP, including eligibility criteria and qualifying health conditions.
What is Personal Independence Payments (PIP)?
Personal Independence Payments are designed to assist people with long-term illnesses, mental health issues, or physical or learning disabilities. The payments are typically made every four weeks. Eligibility for PIP isn’t based on National Insurance contributions and it’s not means-tested. This means that you can still qualify even if you’re working, have savings, or are receiving other benefits.
PIP is split into two parts – a daily living rate and a mobility rate – and you could be eligible for one or both at the same time. Both these rates offer a standard rate and an enhanced rate. This benefit is tax-free and the amount you receive isn’t affected by your income or savings.
So, how much is PIP worth?
Here are the new weekly rates, but bear in mind that PIP is paid every four weeks:
- Daily living component: £73.90 (lower weekly rate) £110.40 (higher weekly rate).
- Mobility component: £29.20 (lower weekly rate) £77.05 (higher weekly rate).
These rates imply that if you are eligible for both the enhanced daily living and enhanced mobility components of the payments, you will receive a total of £749.80 every four weeks. If you qualify for both the standard daily living and standard mobility components, you will receive £412.40 every four weeks.
What medical conditions make you eligible for PIP?
As reported by the Daily Record, there are 87 musculoskeletal conditions that could make you eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) support. This aid can assist with daily living, mobility needs or both.
It’s important to note that this list isn’t exhaustive, so if your condition doesn’t feature, don’t be discouraged from making a claim. The PIP award is based on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself.
Here’s the full list:
- Osteoarthritis of Hip.
- Osteoarthritis of Knee.
- Osteoarthritis of other single joint.
- Primary generalised Osteoarthritis.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
- Fibromyalgia.
- Pain syndromes – Chronic – Other / type not known.
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
- Arthritis – Psoriatic.
- Arthritis – Reactive.
- Inflammatory arthritis – Other / type not known.
- Juvenile chronic arthritis (Still’s disease).
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Crystal deposition disorders – Other / type not known.
- Gout.
- Pseudogout.
- Osteochondritis.
- Osteonecrosis.
- Osteomalacia.
- Osteoporosis.
- Other metabolic and endocrine disorders of musculoskeletal system.
- Paget’s disease.
- Rickets.
- Achondroplasia.
- Epiphyseal dysplasia – multiple.
- Genetic disorders, dysplasias and malformations – Other / type not known.
- Hereditary multiple exostosis (diaphyseal aclasis).
- Hypermobility syndrome.
- Marfan’s syndrome.
- Osteogenesis imperfecta.
- Tumours of bone – benign.
- Compartment syndrome (Volkmann’s ischaemia).
- Fracture complications – Other / type not known.
- Sudek’s atrophy.
- Generalised musculoskeletal disease – Other / type not known.
- Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder).
- Rotator cuff disorder.
- Shoulder disorders – Other / type not known.
- Shoulder instability.
- Elbow disorders – Other / type not known.
- Golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis).
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Dupuytren’s contracture.
- Tendon lesions.
- Tenosynovitis.
- Wrist and hand disorders – Other / type not known.
- Cervical disc lesion.
- Cervical spondylosis.
- Neck disorders – Other / type not known.
- Whiplash injury.
- Back pain – Non specific (mechanical).
- Back pain – Specific – Other / type not known.
- Kyphosis.
- Lumbar disc lesion.
- Lumbar spondylosis (OA spine).
- Schuermann’s disease.
- Scoliosis.
- Spinal stenosis.
- Spondylolisthesis.
- Dislocation of the hip – congenital.
- Hip disorders – Other / type not known.
- Perthes disease.
- Slipped upper femoral epiphysis.
- Bursitis.
- Chondromalacia patellae.
- Knee disorders – Other / type not known.
- Ligamentous instability of knee.
- Meniscal lesions.
- Osgood schlatters disease.
- Osteochondritis dissecans.
- Patellar dislocation – Recurrent.
- Ankle and foot disorders – Other / type not known.
- Club foot (talipes).
- Fore foot pain (Metatarsalgia).
- Hallux valgus /rigidus.
- Amputation – Lower limb(s).
- Amputation – Upper limb(s).
- Amputations – Upper and Lower limb/s.
- Abdomen – Injuries/Fracture/Dislocation of.
- Lower limb – Injuries/Fracture/Dislocation of.
- Multiple – Injuries/Fracture/Dislocation.
- Pelvis – Injuries/Fracture/Dislocation of.
- Spine – Injuries/Fracture/Dislocation of.
- Thorax – Injury/Fracture/Dislocation of.
- Upper limb – Injury/Fracture/Dislocation of.
- Musculoskeletal disease – Regional / Localised – Other / type not known.
Wondering how to apply for PIP?
To qualify for the benefit, an assessment by an independent healthcare professional is required. This helps the DWP determine the level of help you need.
Assessments can be conducted face-to-face, via video call, over the phone, or through paper-based evaluations. The DWP decides the method of assessment and you won’t have a choice in this matter.