**DWP Details 85 Muscle and Bone Conditions Eligible for Up To £749 Payment**
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released a definitive list of 85 musculoskeletal conditions that could entitle individuals to significant financial support through the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). It comes as recent data indicate over 1.1 million adults throughout Great Britain are receiving PIP for a range of muscle, bone, and joint disorders—yet eligibility for many remains widely misunderstood.
Musculoskeletal conditions encompass a variety of injuries and diseases that impact movement, involving muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, joints, and supporting tissues. Several well-known disorders—such as osteoarthritis, chronic back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and lupus—fall under this category, affecting millions across the UK in varying degrees.
Adults aged over 16 and under State Pension age may qualify for PIP—or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland—if their ability to carry out everyday activities or get around is substantially limited due to a musculoskeletal condition. Those unable to work because of such health problems might also be eligible for the ‘new style’ Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), further broadening the safety net.
Currently, the most up-to-date figures from the DWP show there are 3.7 million people in Wales, Scotland, and England claiming PIP for a variety of reasons. Of these, more than one million receive payments specifically for musculoskeletal conditions, highlighting the broad reach of this provision. A successful PIP or ADP claim can provide between £29.20 and £187.45 a week—equivalent to up to £749.80 every four weeks, as the benefit is paid monthly.
The DWP notes that the process for new PIP claims takes an average of 15 weeks. Given the scale of financial pressure facing many households, this vital support could make a substantial difference for those managing chronic pain, limited mobility, or serious injuries that interfere with daily life. It is important to point out that entitlement is judged on the functional impact of the condition, not simply the diagnosis itself.
The DWP’s list includes conditions ranging from generalised disorders such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome, to specific ailments affecting joints including rotator cuff disorders, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and numerous types of arthritis. There are also metabolic and genetic disorders, such as Marfan’s syndrome, osteoporosis, and Paget’s disease, alongside complications from injuries, amputations, and congenital conditions like club foot.
Applicants are reminded that this catalogue of conditions is not exhaustive. If your specific health issue is not listed, it does not preclude you from making a claim. PIP eligibility is determined by how the illness or injury affects your capacity to undertake activities such as preparing food, moving around, communicating, or maintaining personal hygiene.
Residency criteria also apply; claimants typically need to have lived in the UK for two of the preceding three years and must be present in the country at the time of application. The DWP urges anyone who needs assistance with daily living or getting around due to a health condition—whether temporary or permanent—to consider applying for PIP or ADP.
People living with terminal illness face a different assessment process, intended to provide more immediate help; details are available through the official GOV.UK website. If you think you may be entitled to support, you’re advised to consult official government channels and initiate your claim as soon as possible. The application process is designed to be accessible, and help is available throughout.
For those seeking information on financial assistance amid the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, the government benefits system continues to be a critical resource. As awareness grows and more people come forward, it is hoped that fewer will miss out on the support they need to manage the recurring challenges posed by musculoskeletal conditions.
Further guidance—including the full list of eligible medical conditions—can be found on the GOV.UK website, along with details on how to begin a claim and what supporting information might be required. If your daily life is affected by a muscle, bone, or joint condition, you are encouraged to check your entitlement today.