Understanding PIP and Arthritis
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit designed to help people aged 16 to State Pension age who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. It is not means-tested, so your income or savings do not affect your eligibility. PIP is intended to support you with the extra costs of living with a condition that makes daily life or getting around more difficult.
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. There are several types, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but all forms can significantly affect how you manage everyday tasks. Simple activities such as getting dressed, preparing meals, moving around your home, or going out may become challenging due to pain, reduced mobility, or fatigue.
Because arthritis can impact both your ability to carry out daily living activities and your mobility, you may be eligible for PIP. The benefit is assessed based on how your condition affects you, not just the diagnosis itself. The PIP assessment looks at specific daily living and mobility tasks, such as managing medication, bathing, walking distances, and planning journeys. If you find these activities difficult or need help, you may qualify for financial support.
This guide is here to help you understand how to claim PIP if you have arthritis. It explains the eligibility criteria, what evidence you’ll need, and how your symptoms are assessed. You’ll also find practical advice on completing the application and tips for gathering supporting information. If you want to see how PIP applies to other health conditions, you can explore our PIP Health Condition Guides for a broader overview.
Eligibility Criteria for Claiming PIP with Arthritis
To claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for arthritis, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set out by the government. Understanding these requirements is the first step towards making a successful claim.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for PIP, you must:
Be aged 16 or over and usually under State Pension age when you start your claim.
Have a health condition or disability (such as arthritis) that has affected your daily living or mobility for at least three months and is expected to continue for at least nine months.
Be living in England, Scotland, or Wales when you claim, and have lived in Great Britain for at least two of the last three years.
Be present in the UK when you apply and during the assessment process.
These rules are set out in the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Regulations 2013, which provide the legal framework for PIP eligibility and assessments.
How Arthritis Symptoms May Qualify
PIP is awarded based on how your condition affects your ability to carry out everyday activities and move around, rather than on the specific diagnosis of arthritis. The assessment focuses on two main areas:
Daily Living: This covers tasks such as preparing food, washing, dressing, managing medication, and communicating.
Mobility: This considers your ability to move around, plan and follow journeys, and leave your home independently.
If arthritis makes it difficult or impossible for you to perform these activities safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly, or within a reasonable time, you may meet the criteria for PIP.
The Importance of the Impact on Your Life
It’s not enough to simply have a diagnosis of arthritis – what matters is how your symptoms affect your day-to-day life. For example, you might:
Struggle to grip objects, open containers, or use cutlery due to joint pain or stiffness.
Find it hard to walk certain distances without severe discomfort, needing to stop and rest.
Need help with washing, dressing, or using the toilet because of limited mobility.
Experience fatigue or pain that makes completing tasks slow or difficult.
The assessment looks at the severity and impact of your symptoms, not just the condition itself. This means two people with arthritis may receive different PIP outcomes, depending on how much their lives are affected.
Severity and Fluctuating Symptoms
PIP takes into account both the severity and the consistency of your symptoms. If your arthritis symptoms vary from day to day, the assessment will consider how you are affected most of the time (i.e., on the majority of days). Keep a diary or record of your symptoms to help demonstrate the impact over time.
Transition from Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
If you currently receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA), it’s important to know that PIP has replaced DLA for most adults. You can find more information about this transition on the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) page. The criteria for PIP are different from DLA, so even if you received DLA for arthritis in the past, you will need to meet the current PIP requirements.
Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first step towards claiming PIP for arthritis. If you believe your symptoms significantly impact your daily life or mobility, you may be entitled to support. For more detailed information on the legal rules, see the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Regulations 2013.
Daily Living Activities Affected by Arthritis
Daily Living Activities Affected by Arthritis
Arthritis can make everyday tasks much more difficult, affecting your independence and quality of life. When you apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will look at how your condition impacts your ability to carry out certain daily living activities. These activities are set out in the PIP assessment guidelines and are used to decide whether you qualify for the daily living component of PIP, and at what rate.
Common Daily Living Tasks Affected by Arthritis
Some of the daily living activities that arthritis can impact include:
Preparing food and cooking: Arthritis can make it hard to grip utensils, open jars, chop ingredients, or stand for long periods. Pain, stiffness, or fatigue may mean you need help to prepare a simple meal or reheat food in a microwave.
Eating and drinking: You might struggle to hold cutlery, bring food to your mouth, or open bottles and packets. Severe pain or reduced hand function can make feeding yourself very challenging.
Managing medication or therapy: Remembering to take medication or physically opening pill bottles can be difficult. Arthritis can also affect your ability to apply creams, use inhalers, or manage other treatments.
Washing and bathing: Limited movement in your joints may make it hard to get in and out of the bath or shower, wash your hair, or reach certain body parts. You may need aids or help from another person.
Dressing and undressing: Fastening buttons, pulling on socks, or tying shoelaces can be painful or impossible if you have arthritis in your hands or shoulders. You may also struggle to put on or take off clothes without help.
Toileting needs: Arthritis can affect your ability to get to the toilet in time, manage clothing, or clean yourself afterwards.
Communicating verbally: While less common, some types of arthritis or related treatments can impact speech, making it harder to communicate your needs.
Reading and understanding information: Severe pain or fatigue might make it difficult to read instructions, letters, or medication labels.
Making budgeting decisions: If arthritis affects your ability to concentrate or remember things, you may need help managing finances.
How These Difficulties Affect Your PIP Claim
When you claim PIP, the DWP uses a points-based system to assess how your condition affects your ability to perform these daily living activities. Each activity has a set of “descriptors” – statements describing different levels of difficulty. You score points based on which descriptor best matches your situation. For example, if you need help to prepare a simple meal, you may score 2 points; if you cannot prepare food at all, you may score more.
To qualify for the standard rate of the daily living component, you need to score at least 8 points across all daily living activities. For the enhanced rate, you need at least 12 points. The law governing these rules is set out in the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and the Personal Independence Payment (Assessment) Regulations 2013.
When describing how arthritis affects you, be honest and detailed about your worst days, not just your best. Explain how often you have difficulties, what kind of help you need (from a person or with aids), and how long it takes you to complete tasks. The DWP is interested in whether you can do these activities safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time.
If arthritis makes it hard for you to manage any of these daily living tasks, it is important to provide clear examples and evidence when you fill in your PIP form. This will help the DWP understand the real impact of your condition and assess your entitlement accurately.
Mobility Challenges Due to Arthritis
Arthritis can have a significant impact on your ability to walk, stand, and move around – both inside and outside your home. Common symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility can make everyday activities challenging. You might find it difficult to walk certain distances, climb stairs, or stand for long periods without discomfort or risk of falling. For some people, even short trips to the shops or getting to appointments can become a struggle.
These mobility challenges are central to how Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is assessed. The mobility component of PIP is specifically designed to help people who have difficulty moving around or planning and following journeys due to a health condition like arthritis. During the assessment, you’ll be asked about how your arthritis affects your ability to walk, including:
The distance you can walk safely, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time.
Whether you need to use aids, such as walking sticks, crutches, or wheelchairs.
If you need someone to support you when you’re outside, for example, to prevent falls or help you navigate unfamiliar places.
The assessment also considers whether you use any adaptations at home or when travelling. For example, you may have installed handrails, ramps, or stairlifts to make moving around easier. These aids and adaptations can support your claim, as they demonstrate how arthritis affects your independence and what you need to manage daily life. You can learn more about practical support and disability adjustments for arthritis that may be available to help you at home.
When making your PIP claim, it’s important to describe your mobility difficulties in detail and provide evidence where possible. This might include medical reports, physiotherapy notes, or a letter from your GP explaining how arthritis limits your movement. The official Mobility Component of PIP sets out the criteria used to assess your needs. According to government guidelines, PIP looks at both your physical ability to move around and your need for assistance or aids, and awards are made at either a standard or enhanced rate based on your level of difficulty.
Remember, everyone’s experience with arthritis is different. Clearly explaining how your symptoms affect your daily life will help ensure your claim reflects your individual needs and the extra costs you face as a result.
How Arthritis Symptoms Are Assessed for PIP
When you apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) due to arthritis, the assessment focuses on how your symptoms affect your everyday life and ability to move around. The process is designed to understand the real impact of arthritis, rather than just the medical diagnosis.
What Happens During the PIP Assessment?
The PIP assessment looks at two main areas, known as components:
Daily Living: This covers tasks such as preparing food, washing, dressing, managing medication, and communicating.
Mobility: This considers your ability to move around and plan or follow journeys.
For each component, you may qualify for either a standard or enhanced rate, depending on how much help you need. The assessment is based on a set of criteria described in the PIP Assessment Criteria in the official PIP handbook.
How Healthcare Professionals Assess Arthritis Symptoms
A healthcare professional will review your claim form and any supporting evidence you provide. They are interested in how arthritis affects your ability to carry out specific activities, such as:
Walking short distances
Using your hands to grip or hold objects
Getting in and out of bed or a chair
Dressing and undressing
Managing personal care, like bathing or using the toilet
They will consider the pain, stiffness, fatigue, and other symptoms you experience, as well as how these vary throughout the day or week. The law requires that they look at how you perform these tasks “safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly, and within a reasonable time.” This means you should explain if you can do something only with pain, risk, or if it takes you much longer than someone without arthritis.
The Importance of Honest and Detailed Descriptions
When completing your claim form or attending an assessment, it’s vital to give a clear and honest account of your difficulties. Don’t downplay the challenges you face, even if you sometimes manage better on good days. Use examples to show how arthritis affects you, such as:
Needing to rest after walking a short distance
Struggling to open jars or fasten buttons
Being unable to stand for long periods due to joint pain
Providing details helps the assessor understand your situation and make a fair decision.
Assessment Methods
The assessment may be carried out in different ways:
Face-to-face consultation: You may be invited to meet with a healthcare professional in person or by video call. They will ask questions and may observe how you move.
Paper-based review: In some cases, if there is enough evidence, a decision can be made based solely on your written application and supporting documents, without a face-to-face meeting.
You can find out more about the criteria used to assess claims in the PIP Assessment Criteria.
By giving a full and accurate picture of how arthritis affects your daily life and mobility, you can help ensure the assessment reflects your needs. If you’re unsure how to describe your symptoms, consider keeping a diary of your difficulties for a week to share with the assessor.
Gathering Evidence to Support Your PIP Claim for Arthritis
When you apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for arthritis, the strength of your claim often depends on the quality of the evidence you provide. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will use this information to assess how your arthritis affects your daily life and mobility. The more detailed and up-to-date your evidence, the easier it is for the assessor to understand your condition and its impact.
Types of Evidence That Support a PIP Claim
To give your claim the best chance of success, consider including the following types of evidence:
Medical Reports: Letters or reports from your GP, rheumatologist, or other healthcare professionals detailing your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment plan. These should explain how your arthritis affects your ability to carry out daily activities and move around.
Specialist Assessments: If you have seen a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or pain specialist, their assessments can provide valuable insight into your physical limitations and the support you need.
GP Letters: A letter from your GP can confirm your diagnosis and describe the ongoing impact of arthritis on your health and independence. Ask your GP to be specific about how your condition affects you day-to-day.
Test Results and Scans: Copies of X-rays, MRI scans, or blood test results can show the severity and progression of your arthritis.
Prescription Lists: A record of medications you take, including pain relief, anti-inflammatories, or disease-modifying drugs, helps demonstrate the seriousness of your symptoms.
Keeping a Diary of Daily Difficulties
A diary is a powerful way to show how arthritis affects your life over time. For at least a week, write down:
Which activities you struggle with (such as washing, dressing, cooking, or moving around the house)
How long tasks take you, and if you need to rest part-way through
Any pain, stiffness, or fatigue you experience
Days when your symptoms are worse, and how this changes what you can do
This first-hand account helps the DWP understand the full impact of your arthritis, especially if your symptoms fluctuate.
Evidence About Aids, Adaptations, or Medications
If you use any aids or equipment – such as walking sticks, grab rails, adapted cutlery, or special footwear – include evidence of this in your claim. Photographs, receipts, or letters from occupational therapists can all be helpful.
It’s also important to mention any adaptations you have made at home, like installing a stairlift or accessible bathroom fittings. These show that your arthritis affects your independence and that you need extra support.
Make sure you provide a full list of the medications you take, including any side effects that might cause further difficulties (such as drowsiness, nausea, or dizziness).
Providing Up-to-Date and Relevant Medical Information
The DWP assesses PIP claims using the criteria set out in the Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013. It’s important that all evidence reflects your current situation, not just how things were in the past. If your condition has changed, ask your healthcare professionals for updated letters or reports.
Only include evidence that is directly relevant to your arthritis and its impact on your daily living and mobility. Outdated or unrelated information can slow down your claim and make it harder for the assessor to understand your needs.
By gathering detailed, up-to-date evidence and showing clearly how arthritis affects your life, you give yourself the best chance of a successful PIP claim.
Making the PIP Claim: Step-by-Step Guide
Making the PIP Claim: Step-by-Step Guide
Claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for arthritis can feel overwhelming, but understanding each stage can make the process smoother. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through your PIP claim, from the initial contact to what to do if your claim is unsuccessful.
1. Starting Your PIP Claim
The first step is to begin your claim by contacting the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You can do this by phone, textphone, or by post. When you get in touch, you’ll be asked for some basic information, such as your National Insurance number, contact details, and details of your GP or healthcare professional.
After this initial contact, you’ll receive the official PIP Claim Form (known as the PIP1 form). This form is essential to start your application and must be completed and returned to the DWP within the specified deadline.
2. Completing the PIP Claim Form
When filling out your PIP Claim Form, it’s important to focus on how arthritis affects your daily life and mobility. The form will ask about your ability to perform everyday tasks, such as preparing meals, washing, dressing, moving around, and communicating.
Tips for completing the form:
Be specific about your difficulties. For example, if arthritis makes it hard to grip objects or walk short distances without pain, describe these challenges in detail.
Give real-life examples. Mention how long tasks take, if you need help, or if you avoid activities due to pain or fatigue.
Include information about both good and bad days, but focus on your worst days to give an accurate picture of your needs.
Attach supporting evidence, such as medical reports, prescriptions, or letters from healthcare professionals, to back up your claim.
If you need more information about the process or how to describe your condition, you can visit the PIP Health Condition Guides for further advice and examples.
3. The PIP Assessment
After submitting your form, you may be asked to attend a face-to-face, telephone, or video assessment with a health professional. This assessment is designed to understand how your arthritis impacts your daily living and mobility.
Preparing for the assessment:
Review your claim form and supporting evidence beforehand.
Be ready to discuss your typical day, including the difficulties you face because of arthritis.
Don’t hesitate to mention pain, stiffness, fatigue, or any side effects from medication.
If you use aids (like walking sticks, braces, or adapted cutlery), explain why you need them and how they help.
The assessor will ask questions based on your claim form and may ask you to perform simple movements. It’s important to be honest and clear about what you can and cannot do safely, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time.
4. Receiving the Decision
Once your assessment is complete, the DWP will review all the information and send you a decision letter. This letter will explain whether you have been awarded PIP, at what rate, and for how long.
If your claim is successful, your payments will start from the date you made your initial claim. If you are not awarded PIP or are unhappy with the decision, you have the right to challenge it.
5. What If Your Claim Is Unsuccessful?
If you disagree with the decision, you can ask for a “mandatory reconsideration” within one month of receiving your decision letter. This means the DWP will look at your case again. If the outcome is still not in your favour, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
Make sure to keep copies of all forms, evidence, and correspondence throughout the process, as these will be useful if you need to challenge a decision.
Remember, claiming PIP for arthritis can take time and may require persistence. For more detailed information on the claim process, and to see how PIP applies to different health conditions, visit the PIP Health Condition Guides. If you need the official claim form, you can download it directly from the PIP Claim Form.
How PIP Can Help People Living with Arthritis
Living with arthritis can bring extra costs, from daily care needs to necessary changes around your home. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is designed to help with these expenses, offering financial support to people whose arthritis affects their ability to carry out everyday tasks or move around independently.
PIP is a non-means-tested benefit, which means it is not affected by your income or savings. It is available to people aged 16 to State Pension age who have a long-term health condition or disability, such as arthritis, that impacts their daily life for at least three months and is expected to last for at least nine months. The support you receive is based on how your condition affects you, not the specific diagnosis.
What can PIP help pay for?
Many people with arthritis find that PIP helps cover a wide range of extra costs, including:
Mobility aids: If arthritis makes it difficult to walk or move around, you may need to buy or maintain items like walking sticks, frames, or mobility scooters.
Home adaptations: PIP can help with the cost of installing grab rails, ramps, stairlifts, or accessible bathrooms to make your home safer and easier to navigate.
Daily care: The payment can be used for help with personal care, such as washing, dressing, preparing meals, or managing medication – whether you pay for professional support or need to buy specialist equipment.
Transport expenses: Getting to medical appointments or social activities can be more difficult with arthritis. PIP can contribute towards taxi fares, accessible transport, or fuel costs. You may also be eligible for additional schemes or allowances to help with transport costs.
Supporting your independence
Receiving PIP can make a real difference to your independence. It gives you more control over how you manage your condition and can reduce financial pressure, allowing you to maintain your quality of life. For example, you might use PIP to pay for home cleaning services, meal delivery, or support with shopping – helping you stay active and involved in your community.
Improving your quality of life
By easing the financial burden of living with arthritis, PIP can help you focus on your health and wellbeing. Whether it’s funding physiotherapy sessions, paying for pain relief aids, or simply making day-to-day living more comfortable, the support is there to help you live as independently as possible.
If you have arthritis and are struggling with costs related to your condition, PIP could provide vital help. Remember, you do not need to have a carer or be housebound to qualify – what matters is how your arthritis affects your ability to manage daily tasks and get around.
Additional Support and Related Benefits for Arthritis
Living with arthritis can affect many areas of daily life, and while Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a key benefit to help with extra costs, there are additional forms of support and related benefits you may be entitled to. Understanding these options can help you access the full range of assistance available.
Other Benefits That May Complement PIP
PIP is just one part of the wider benefits system for disabled people in the UK. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for other financial support, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). ESA is designed to help if your arthritis makes it difficult to work, offering financial support and personalised help to get back into employment if you’re able. You can check the eligibility criteria and how to claim by visiting the official guidance.
If your arthritis affects your ability to move around your home, you may also qualify for support with home disability adjustments. This could include adaptations such as handrails, ramps, or accessible bathroom facilities, which can make daily living safer and more manageable.
Workplace Rights and Accommodations
If you’re in work or looking to return, you have legal rights under the Equality Act 2010. Employers are required to make reasonable adjustments to support disabled employees, including those with arthritis. Adjustments might include flexible working hours, specialised equipment, or changes to your duties. Click here to read more about your rights and practical examples of workplace accommodations to help you stay in or return to work.
Local Support Groups and Charities
Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can make a big difference. Many local arthritis support groups and national charities offer advice, emotional support, and practical resources. They can help you navigate the benefits system, provide information about managing your condition, and even offer grants or equipment. Your GP, local council, or NHS service can often signpost you to organisations in your area.
How PIP Fits into the Wider Support System
PIP is designed to help with the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition like arthritis, whether you’re working or not. However, it often works alongside other benefits and support measures. For example, receiving PIP can sometimes increase your entitlement to other benefits, such as ESA, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction. It may also make you eligible for travel concessions or the Blue Badge scheme.
By exploring all your options – including Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), workplace accommodations, and home disability adjustments – you can build a support package tailored to your needs. If you’re unsure where to start, consider reaching out to a local advice centre or an arthritis charity for guidance.
Related Health Conditions and PIP Claims
Living with arthritis often means managing other health conditions at the same time. Many people experience overlapping symptoms or develop related illnesses, which can also affect their ability to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Understanding how PIP applies to these different conditions can help you make a stronger claim and ensure you get the right support.
If you have arthritis alongside another condition – such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder – it’s important to know that PIP assessments consider the overall impact of all your health issues, not just arthritis alone. For example, mental health conditions can affect your ability to plan daily activities, manage medication, or interact with others, which are all factors in the PIP assessment process.
Similarly, if you have other physical conditions – such as fibromyalgia, ME and CFS, or osteoporosis – these can further limit your mobility or daily living abilities. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will look at how all your symptoms together affect your independence, so it’s important to mention all relevant health issues on your application.
Some conditions commonly linked with arthritis, or that share similar symptoms, include:
PIP is not just for physical conditions. If you have a neurodevelopmental or mental health condition – such as ADHD, autism, OCD, or a learning disability – these are also considered in the PIP process, especially if they affect your daily living or mobility.
Every PIP claim is assessed on how your conditions affect you, not just the diagnosis itself. For example, if arthritis makes it difficult to move around and diabetes affects your energy levels, you should explain how both together impact your daily life. If you have anxiety or depression as a result of living with chronic pain, this should also be included in your application.
To help you understand your options and the specific evidence needed for different conditions, we’ve created detailed guides for a wide range of health issues. You can explore how PIP works for:
Exploring these guides can help you understand what evidence to provide, how to describe your symptoms, and what to expect during the PIP assessment. If you have more than one health condition, make sure to read the guides that apply to you. This can help you prepare a complete and accurate claim, increasing your chances of getting the support you need.
