A comprehensive list of 85 health conditions that make individuals eligible for a £737 payment has been released by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Over 1.1 million adults in the UK are currently receiving support through the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for various musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions affect the body’s movement or musculoskeletal system, encompassing muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, and blood vessels. Studies estimate that approximately a third of the population grapple with some form of muscle or joint issue. Those severely impacted by these conditions can qualify for PIP, which can offer financial assistance of up to £737 per month.
Common health problems that may qualify individuals for PIP include arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, gout, polymyalgia rheumatica, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis. If you are over 16 and below State Pension age and your ability to work is limited by your symptoms, you could be eligible to claim PIP or ‘new style’ Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). The latest statistics from the DWP indicate that there are approximately 3.6 million PIP claimants in Scotland, England, and Wales. Successful PIP claims can provide additional financial support ranging from £28.70 to £184.30 per week.
To be eligible for PIP, individuals must have a health condition or disability that hampers their daily living or mobility for at least three months, with an expectation that these challenges will persist for at least nine months. Applicants are generally required to have resided in the UK for at least two of the last three years and must be in the country at the time of application. If any assistance is needed in tasks like preparing food, managing medication, personal hygiene, dressing, communication, decision-making, or mobility due to a health condition, applying for PIP should be considered.
The assessment for PIP assesses the difficulty individuals encounter in daily living and mobility tasks. Payment for PIP is usually issued every four weeks, except for terminally ill individuals who receive weekly payments. The financial assistance level is determined by an evaluation of the impact of the condition on the individual. PIP consists of two components – Daily living and Mobility – and the amount received per week varies based on the severity of the condition, with rates ranging from £28.70 to £108.55 for Daily living and £28.70 to £75.75 for Mobility.
Applicants wanting to apply for PIP can find all necessary information on the GOV.UK website and will need essential details such as contact information, National Insurance number, banking details, and relevant medical information. The application requires a thorough assessment to ascertain the appropriate level of support. Individuals can expect regular reviews to ensure they receive the necessary assistance. PIP can be a vital financial lifeline for those struggling with musculoskeletal issues, providing essential support to help manage day-to-day life challenges.
Overall, the release of the full list of health conditions qualifying for PIP sheds light on the significant number of individuals grappling with musculoskeletal problems and the financial support available to assist them in coping with these challenges. This initiative by the DWP aims to provide critical aid to those in need and enhance their quality of life amidst health struggles.