The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has reported that approximately 1.2 million adults in Great Britain are currently receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) due to over 85 different musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.
In England and Wales, nearly 3.9 million people are claiming PIP, while Scotland has transitioned fully from PIP to Adult Disability Payment (ADP) for both new and existing claims. Managed by Social Security Scotland, ADP currently supports 484,055 individuals.
As of the end of October 2026, support for musculoskeletal conditions is distributed as follows:
- Scotland (transitioned to ADP): 664 claimants
- England and Wales: 1,177,773
- Living abroad: 980
- Total: 1,180,158
Understanding Musculoskeletal (MSK) Conditions
Musculoskeletal conditions affect the body’s movement system, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, joints, and blood vessels.
MSK conditions encompass a wide range of disorders, including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Back pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoporosis
- Gout
- Lupus
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
Currently, 87 MSK conditions are recognized for support under PIP, covering general, regional, genetic, inflammatory, injury-related, and metabolic disorders.
It is essential to understand that eligibility for PIP or ADP is determined by how a condition impacts daily life and mobility, not solely by the diagnosis itself.
Who Can Claim PIP or ADP?
Individuals over 16 and under State Pension age may be eligible for:
- PIP in England and Wales
- ADP in Scotland
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have experienced daily living or mobility difficulties for at least three months
- Expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months
- Usually have lived in the UK for two of the last three years and be present when applying
Those with conditions affecting their ability to work may also be eligible for new style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Special rules apply for terminally ill claimants, with guidance available on GOV.UK.
Daily Activities Considered During Assessments
When evaluating claims, assessors review the impact of conditions on everyday tasks such as:
- Preparing and eating meals
- Managing medication
- Washing, bathing, and using the toilet
- Dressing and undressing
- Communicating effectively
- Reading and understanding written information
- Handling money and financial decisions
- Planning or following journeys
- Moving safely around the home or community
Assessors consider:
- Safety when completing tasks
- Time required
- Frequency of symptoms interfering with tasks
- Need for assistance or equipment
PIP and ADP Payment Amounts
A successful claim can provide £29.20 to £187.45 per week, paid every four weeks, totaling £116.80 to £749.80 per payment period.
Weekly Rates
Daily Living Component
- Standard: £73.90 (rising to £76.70 in April)
- Enhanced: £110.40 (rising to £114.60 in April)
Mobility Component
- Standard: £29.20 (rising to £30.30 in April)
- Enhanced: £77.05 (rising to £80.00 in April)
Recipients may receive one or both components, depending on how significantly the condition affects them.
Processing Times for New Claims
- PIP claims take around 16 weeks on average
- ADP claims are slightly faster, averaging just over 10 weeks
- Claims approved after this period may include back payments from the original claim date
How Payments Are Made
- Both PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks directly into a bank, building society, or credit union account
- Terminally ill claimants receive weekly payments
- ADP payments are at the same rates as PIP
Assessment Process
PIP Assessments: conducted by independent healthcare professionals on behalf of DWP. Assessment types include:
- Face-to-face
- Video call
- Telephone
- Paper-based review
The method is selected according to what DWP deems suitable.
ADP Assessments: face-to-face appointments are not standard, only conducted if specifically requested by the claimant.
How to Apply
Applying for PIP
- Submit a claim via DWP on GOV.UK
- Required information includes: contact details, date of birth, National Insurance number, bank account, and medical/health professional contacts
Applying for ADP
- Apply by phone, post, in person, or via mygov.scot
- Contact Social Security Scotland at 0800 182 2222
Conclusion
Musculoskeletal conditions represent one of the largest categories of disability support claims in Great Britain. Nearly 1.2 million adults receive PIP for MSK conditions, while hundreds of thousands more are supported under ADP in Scotland. Financial assistance through these programs is vital for managing daily living and mobility challenges.
Scotland operates under the devolved ADP system, but eligibility rules and payment rates align closely with PIP. Support is based on functional impact, not just diagnosis. Anyone with long-term MSK difficulties should review eligibility, as successful claims can provide substantial ongoing financial support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What determines eligibility for PIP or ADP?
Eligibility is based on how a condition affects daily living and mobility, not simply the medical diagnosis.
2) How much can I receive from PIP or ADP weekly?
Payments range from £29.20 to £187.45 per week, depending on the severity of your condition and components awarded.
3) How long does a new claim take to process?
PIP averages 16 weeks, while ADP takes just over 10 weeks, with back payments included where applicable.