Severe hand pain, weak grip, and difficulty with daily tasks – Could I be eligible for PIP or ESA?

Teavirag · November 19

Hello, and thank you for your help.

I live in Northern Ireland and have ongoing problems with my hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders. I suffer from chronic joint pain and inflammation, and I struggle to grip or hold small objects such as a paintbrush, cup, phone, pen, toothbrush or key. My fingers often feel stiff, swollen or painful, and sometimes objects slip from my hand because of weakness or pain.

This affects my everyday life. I sometimes have difficulty with dressing (buttons, zips, bra fastening), doing my hair, opening jars or packaging, carrying shopping bags, or cooking and cleaning at home. I used to enjoy painting, but I had to stop because I cannot hold the brush for long.

My condition has not improved and is gradually getting worse. I was signed off sick by my GP for nearly 9 months previously due to this condition. I no longer have the sick note paperwork, but my GP is aware of my condition and could confirm my history.

My questions are:

Based on these hand and joint problems, weak grip and difficulties with daily living activities, would I likely qualify for PIP?
Could I possibly be eligible for ESA if my condition makes it difficult to continue working due to pain and functional limitations?
What kind of medical evidence or assessments would I need (GP, specialist, physiotherapist)?
How should I start the process in Northern Ireland?

I would be very grateful for any advice regarding eligibility, how to apply, and what would be the best first step for me.

Thank you so much for your help.

Trevor_PIP · November 19

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/140009/severe-hand-pain-weak-grip-and-difficulty-with-daily-tasks-could-i-be-eligible-for-pip-or-esa

You could be eligible for PIP as you are struggling daily with general tasks. You could contact Citizens Advice for help. The best thing to do is apply or you won't know. Call PIP and they will send out the form. Citizens Advice can help you fill out the form. Evidence from your Doctor or a specialist will help. Fill the form out describing your difficulties per descriptor. Actual examples of what happened when you tried to progress a task are good.

Cannot comment on ESA, but you need to be in the sick do you not?

Kimi87 · November 19

Eligibility for New Style ESA depends on sufficient NI Contributions made in the last few years.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

Otherwise you can look at Universal Credit (means tested) and going through a Work Capability Assessment. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-quick-guide/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition

You can get both at the same time if eligible, the NS ESA would be deducted in full from the UC award, you would go through one WCA for both and the medical criteria for NS ESA & UC are identical

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

Mary_Scope · November 19

Hi @Teavirag and a warm welcome to the community from me!

Based on what you’ve described, it does sound like you meet meet the criteria for PIP as your conditions are affecting your daily living tasks.

It's helpful to have evidence like a GP letter, any specialist or physiotherapy reports and a list of medications or treatments you have had for your conditions etc.

You can start the pip process by contacting Personal Independence Payment Centre (Northern Ireland) and requesting the forms😊

Teavirag · November 19

Thank you for all the information and answers, I am processing everything now. I have contacted Advice NI for further support.

Severe hand pain, weak grip, and difficulty with daily tasks – Could I be eligible for PIP or ESA?

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