Why PIP reform must work for people with arthritis

As part of our Cut to the Bone campaign, and ahead of the conclusion of the Timms Review, Arthritis UK has today published Paying the price: Why PIP reform must work for people with arthritis, highlighting findings from our recent YouGov survey of over 4,000 adults with arthritis in the UK, about the additional costs people with arthritis face.  

Living with a long-term condition is expensive. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and is designed to support the additional costs that come with managing disabilities and long-term conditions.  

People with arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions make up almost a third (31%) of all PIP claimants, with osteoarthritis the second biggest reason for receiving PIP.  

Our new research shows that people with arthritis are financially burdened by their condition, and those receiving PIP significantly more so. That’s why PIP must be protected, and any reform must work for people with these conditions. 

Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive at Arthritis UK says

"Living with arthritis comes at a cost, and we're not just talking about the pain. Our research paints a stark picture of people going out less, missing vital healthcare appointments and watching their health deteriorate because they can’t afford to travel or heat their homes."   

"As we eagerly await the publication of the Timms Review, the Government can't afford to overlook the financial pressures facing people with arthritis any longer. PIP is not a luxury. And even for those in receipt of it, many are still struggling to make ends meet."  

What we found

People with arthritis are being financially squeezed

Arthritis brings additional costs in management and care, and can make it more difficult to stay in work – meaning higher expenses but less income. Those receiving PIP were more likely to be experiencing this squeeze.  

Our new research found over a third (35%) of people with arthritis in receipt of PIP are only just able to afford their essential costs and often struggle to make ends meet. In addition, almost three quarters (74%) of people with arthritis in receipt of PIP have worked and reported arthritis affecting their ability to work, of these 58% have had to stop working permanently because of their condition. Whilst PIP is not an out-of-work benefit, for those forced out of the workplace it can be an essential source of income.  

People with arthritis are spending more because of their condition

We found that nearly two thirds (64%) of people with arthritis have had additional costs in their household bills, transport costs, personal needs expenses, medication and care because of their condition in the last 12 months. For those in receipt of PIP, this increases to 86%. 

We also found that these extra expenses are forcing people to make difficult financial choices, and those in receipt of PIP were more likely to report those challenges. Of those in receipt of PIP who had additional costs in heating and energy, 21% reported going without other daily living essentials, and 17% reported borrowing money on credit cards, overdrafts and personal loans to cover their increased bills.  

People with arthritis need more support, but can't afford it

More than 2 in 5 (43%) people with arthritis in receipt of PIP need additional support with their household bills, transport costs, personal needs expenses, medication and care but can’t afford it. Of those in receipt of PIP that reported needing additional support in transport and mobility, almost 3 in 4 (73%) said that they leave the house less frequently than they otherwise would as a result, and 1 in 5 (20%) said they have missed healthcare appointments as they have not been able to afford to travel to them. 

What’s next?

Arthritis UK has launched Cut to the Bone, our campaign calling to fix PIP for people with arthritis.  

Now's the time to fix PIP, not cut it. The Timms Review is a chance to get PIP right for people with arthritis. We can’t risk it becoming something else: cuts dressed up as reform. 

That’s why we're calling for:  

• A PIP system that understands how serious arthritis can be.  
• Assessments that reflect what it’s really like living with the condition.  
• PIP to remain a flexible, non-means tested cash benefit.  
• Reforms that improve support, not cut it. 

Find out more about our campaign and how to support our calls today.

In early 2027, Arthritis UK will be publishing a report with the full findings from our survey.