PIP for Osteoarthritis

In 2024, there were 192,509 PIP claimants with generalised osteoarthritis listed as their main disabling condition. This makes it the third most common condition to get an award of PIP out of over 500 conditions listed by the DWP. It’s important to note that the DWP also has separate statistics for arthritis of specific joints like the hip, knee, and others, so the total number of awards for all types of osteoarthritis is 265,430.

If generalised osteoarthritis affects your ability to carry out daily activities like cooking, washing, dressing, socializing, or getting around, you should definitely consider applying for PIP.

Success Rates and Award Rates for Generalised Osteoarthritis

• Success Rate: The success rate for PIP claims for generalised osteoarthritis is 72%, which is significantly higher than the overall average of 53%. This makes your chances of receiving an award for this condition very high.

• Award Rates:

  • 23% of claimants with generalised osteoarthritis receive the enhanced rate for both the daily living and mobility components.

• Daily Living Awards:

  • Enhanced Rate: 31%

  • Standard Rate: 67%

  • No Award: 2%

• Mobility Awards:

  • Enhanced Rate: 43%

  • Standard Rate: 34%

  • No Award: 23%

98% of claimants with generalised osteoarthritis who receive an award get the Daily Living component, compared to 77% who get the Mobility component.

PIP Payment Rates (April 2024)

• Daily Living Component:

  • Standard Rate: £72.65

  • Enhanced Rate: £108.55

• Mobility Component:

  • Standard Rate: £28.70

  • Enhanced Rate: £75.75

An award of the enhanced rate for both components means you could receive an extra £184.30 per week. PIP is paid on top of most other benefits and may increase your entitlement to additional support. The enhanced mobility rate also grants access to the Motability scheme.

How to Qualify for PIP

To qualify for PIP, you must be at least 16 years old and below state pension age. The best way to determine your eligibility is by assessing how generalised osteoarthritis affects your daily living and mobility. Points are awarded based on how much difficulty you have with each activity, and a sufficient score can lead to an award of PIP.

Daily Living and Mobility Activities

There are 10 daily living activities and 2 mobility activities used to assess eligibility:

Daily Living Activities:

• Preparing food

• Taking nutrition

• Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition

• Washing and bathing

• Managing toilet needs or incontinence

• Dressing and undressing

• Communicating verbally

• Reading and understanding signs, symbols, and words

• Engaging with other people face-to-face

• Making budgeting decisions

Mobility Activities:

• Planning and following journeys

• Moving around

For each activity, you need to consider whether you can perform it:

• To a reasonable standard

• Safely

• Repeatedly

• In no more than twice the time it would take someone without a health condition

How Generalised Osteoarthritis May Affect Your Daily Life

Here are some examples of the issues you might face due to generalised osteoarthritis:

• Preparing Meals: You may be unable to stand for long periods in the kitchen due to pain, tenderness, or stiffness in your hips or knees. You might need a perching stool or another aid to help you with cooking.

• Stumbles and Falls: If your knees give way, you may need someone to supervise you while cooking to ensure your safety.

• Handling Food: Pain, swelling, or limited movement in your hands may prevent you from cutting up food, even with an aid. You may need someone else to do this for you.

• Taking Medication: Pain, stiffness, or restricted movement in your hands may make it difficult to get medication out of packets or bottles. You might need someone to assist with this task.

• Washing and Bathing: Pain and stiffness in your hips or knees may prevent you from standing for long in the shower. You may need a shower seat or handrail for support.

• Toilet Needs: Pain and stiffness may make it hard for you to wipe yourself without assistance or taking longer than others. You may need help with this task.

• Dressing: You may require adapted clothing (such as front-fastening bras, easy-snap trousers, or wrap-around skirts) to dress yourself due to joint issues.

• Walking Aids: If you need a walking aid to move around outdoors but can't use one due to pain in your hands or grip issues, you may require assistance to move around safely.

These are just a few examples of how generalised osteoarthritis can impact your ability to perform daily living and mobility tasks. If you experience additional challenges due to other conditions, you can take those into account during your claim.

How PIP Ready Can Help You

If you have generalised osteoarthritis and are considering applying for PIP, PIP Ready can assist you in navigating the process. Our expert team will help ensure that your claim is thorough, accurate, and complete, maximizing your chances of success.