PIP benefits of up to £156 a week tax-free could be available for people suffering from musculoskeletal conditions and injuries in 87 different muscles or joints. Musculoskeletal conditions and disorders that affect the human body’s movement or musculoskeletal system such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs and blood vessels.
Arthritis is a general term that refers to many of these different conditions. Some common musculoskeletal conditions include osteoarthritis, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, gout, polymyalgia rheumatica, lupus and ankylosing spondylitis, as seen in The Daily Record.
If you are over 16 and under State Pension age, you may be able to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to help with a musculoskeletal condition, and if your ability to work is limited due to your symptoms you could be eligible for ‘new style’ Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). PIP is being replaced in Scotland by the Adult Disability Payment, which will follow the same eligibility criteria, but will take a more "people-centred approach".
