Can You Get PIP for Fibromyalgia? Full Guide
By the RightfulUK team • • 5 min read • Reviewed for accuracy
Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, chronic fatigue, and cognitive difficulties (fibro fog). These symptoms can score PIP points across most activities.
Yes, you can get PIP for fibromyalgia. The challenge is that fibromyalgia is a fluctuating condition — your symptoms vary day to day. PIP should assess you on your MAJORITY of days, but assessors often focus on your best days.
Which PIP Activities Does Fibromyalgia Affect?
Fibromyalgia typically affects most PIP activities:
Preparing food — Pain and fatigue limit standing time. Brain fog causes safety risks. 2-8 points.
Washing and bathing — Pain reaching, fatigue from standing in shower, grip problems. 2-8 points.
Dressing — Stiffness, pain bending, difficulty with fastenings. 2-8 points.
Managing toilet needs — Pain getting on/off toilet, grip problems. 2-4 points.
Managing therapy — Multiple medications, physiotherapy regime. 1-4 points.
Reading and understanding — Fibro fog affecting concentration and comprehension. 2 points.
Moving around (Activity 12) — This is where fibromyalgia often scores highest. Pain and fatigue limit walking distance. 4-12 points.
Planning journeys — Fatigue, brain fog, and anxiety about flare-ups. 4 points.
The Fluctuation Challenge
Fibromyalgia is the textbook fluctuating condition. Your key argument:
'I should be assessed on the majority of days, not my best days.'
Keep a symptom diary showing: - Pain levels each day (1-10 scale) - Activities you couldn't do - How long you could walk/stand - When you needed help - Flare-up triggers and recovery time
At assessment: Don't go on a good day if possible. If you must, explain clearly: 'Today is better than most days. On the majority of days, I cannot...'
Evidence for Fibromyalgia PIP Claims
Essential evidence: - Rheumatologist diagnosis letter - GP letter describing daily impact - Pain clinic records - Medication history (showing severity) - Physiotherapy assessments
Extra strong: - Symptom diary (at least 4 weeks) - Fitbit/health app data showing activity levels - Before and after photos (activities you used to do) - Employer records of sick days or adjustments - Partner/carer statement about daily help needed
Common Scoring for Fibromyalgia
Typical fibromyalgia PIP scores:
Daily Living: 8-16 points (Standard to Enhanced) Mobility: 8-12 points (Standard to Enhanced)
The moving around activity is crucial — if pain and fatigue mean you cannot reliably walk more than 20 metres, you qualify for Enhanced Mobility (Blue Badge, Motability).
Remember the reliability test: Even if you CAN walk 50 metres on a good day, if you cannot do it safely, repeatedly, in reasonable time, and to an acceptable standard on the majority of days, you should score higher.
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Related Tools & Guides
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- Tribunal Preparation Tool — practice panel questions
- PIP Condition Guides — descriptors for your condition