Can I get PIP for Arthritis?

Yes, Arthritis can qualify for PIP if it affects your daily living or mobility activities. You could receive up to 4 points per affected descriptor. PIP is not based on your diagnosis alone — it’s about how your condition affects you day to day.

How many PIP points can I get for Arthritis?

The points depend on how Arthritis affects each activity. Across 5 relevant descriptors, you could receive up to 4 points per descriptor. You need 8 points for standard rate and 12 for enhanced rate.

What evidence do I need for a Arthritis PIP claim?

For a Arthritis PIP claim, you should gather: a letter from your GP or specialist confirming your diagnosis and how it affects you, any hospital or clinic letters, medication lists, and statements from people who help you. The more evidence showing how Arthritis affects your daily activities, the stronger your claim.

What if my Arthritis PIP claim is denied?

If your Arthritis PIP claim is denied, you have one month to request a Mandatory Reconsideration. If that fails, you can appeal to an independent tribunal — where 73% of PIP appeals succeed. Use our free Mandatory Reconsideration letter builder to challenge the decision.

How does the PIP assessment work for Arthritis?

The PIP assessment for Arthritis involves a health professional asking how your condition affects 12 daily living and mobility activities. They score you using descriptors. Always answer based on your worst days, not your best. Remember the reliability test: can you do it safely, repeatedly, to an acceptable standard, and in a reasonable time?

Arthritis and PIP: Complete Guide to Descriptors & Points

If you have Arthritis, you may be entitled to PIP (Personal Independence Payment). This guide shows which PIP descriptors apply to your condition and how many points you could receive.

Last updated: February 2026 | Based on Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013

Which PIP Activities Does Arthritis Affect?

Preparing food

Descriptor 1b: Needs to use an aid or appliance to prepare or cook a simple meal — 2 points (e.g. perching stool, one-handed chopping board, easy-grip utensils)

Taking nutrition

Descriptor 2b: Needs an aid or appliance to take nutrition, or assistance to cut up food — 2 points (e.g. adapted cutlery, plate guard, help cutting meat)

Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition

Descriptor 3c: Needs assistance to manage medication or therapy — 2 points (e.g. cannot self-inject, cannot apply cream to back)

Managing toilet needs or incontinence

Descriptor 5d: Needs assistance to manage toilet needs — 4 points (e.g. help with clothing, help with cleaning)

Dressing and undressing

Descriptor 6b: Needs to use an aid or appliance to dress or undress — 2 points (e.g. sock aid, button hook, long-handled shoehorn)

How to Claim PIP for Arthritis

Use our free PIP eligibility checker to estimate your points
Answer based on your worst days, not your best days
Remember the reliability test: can you do it safely, repeatedly, to an acceptable standard, in a reasonable time?
Gather supporting evidence from your GP or specialist

Already Been Denied?

73% of PIP appeals succeed at tribunal. If you’ve been denied, use our Mandatory Reconsideration letter builder to challenge the decision.