If you have arthritis, you may find that you need help with getting about or caring for yourself, and these needs may lead to extra expenses. You may not be able to work, or you may need support to stay in work.

Find out more below about the benefits and financial support that may be available to you, including Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

What is Employment and Support Allowance?

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a benefit for people who have a health condition or disability that limits their ability to work.

Who can claim ESA?

The following basic qualifying conditions apply to all ESA claims. You must:

• have a limited capability for work. This is tested under the ‘Work Capability Assessment’
• be aged between 16 and State Pension age
• not be in work (some limited work is ‘permitted’)
• be in Great Britain
• not be receiving Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Statutory Sick Pay.

What is PIP?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps cover the extra costs you may face if you need help taking part in everyday life or find it difficult to get around. It is an important benefit for people with arthritis.

Who can claim PIP?

You can claim PIP if you are working. It is not means-tested, so it is not affected by any earnings or benefits you receive or savings you may have. Neither is it treated as income for other benefits that are means-tested (such as Housing Benefit and Tax Credits).

In fact, an award of PIP can lead to higher levels of these benefits being paid. PIP can also act as a passport to other benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance. You do not need to have a carer or someone helping you to qualify. PIP is not taxable, and you don’t need to have paid National Insurance contributions to get it. PIP payments are made directly to you, and you can spend them on anything you like.

Extensive information on financial support can be found by clicking here.