Please or to access all these features

Chronic pain

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Has anyone claimed PIP for fibromyalgia and can share advice?

56 replies

Hei1234 · 23/07/2026 19:03

Has anyone got pip for fibromyalgia? I am really struggling and don’t know whether to put a claim in! Any advice would be great please!

OP posts:
MoonChild111 · 29/07/2026 09:31

Zoflorabore · 29/07/2026 06:00

Hi ladies, solidarity to all, another fibromyalgia sufferer checking in.

I do claim pip for fibromyalgia ( also for anxiety and OCD) but the fibro is what has the biggest impact on my life. I’m 48 and I’ve been in pain since I was 27 with what I just thought was sciatica. It took years to get taken seriously and was eventually diagnosed in 2018 aged 40.

I found the process strange to be honest because I applied for the form several times and didn’t fill it in ( story of my life ) and next thing I got a text from the DWP saying that I was waiting for my telephone assessment. I had not filled in a form so was a bit confused over this.

fast forward to assessment and it was scheduled for 1 hour. I ended up being on the phone for 2 hours 4 minutes and had the most amazing assessor who really listened. Within a week i had a back payment in my bank and was awarded high rate for both. I was so pleased and the money has made a huge difference to my life.

I recently had a review and have been awarded until 2032. I found a great lady on YouTube who has fibromyalgia and literally her channel is about navigating the pip process. I will find her details and come back to the thread .

remember- pip is not about the diagnosis, it’s about how it impacts and affects your life.

lastly, both of my dc are autistic and I claim carers and had no issues at all. Sorry for long post!

Can I ask, how did you get diagnosed?
My GP told me I have lots of the symptoms but it can’t be diagnosed as such. He said it’s a case of just living with it.

I struggle every day, and need some support.

Trumpisacunt · 29/07/2026 09:41

Try using chat gpt - I put in the descipter and then my condition and it articulated why I found it difficult and the problems I experienced so much better than I ever could ...it obviously worked as I didnt get any points on my first application but was awarded pip when I re applied at the suggestion of occy health who suggested using the above .

Weekendplans · 29/07/2026 10:01

How did you guys manage to send supporting information? It caps the online uploads to 5mb, but my adhd summary and my psychiatric CPTSD summary are all over this as theyre larger documents with a comprehensive overview kf my care + difficulties. Feels important to send them but i dont trust their free post! (Took 3 attempts to get my form before they emailed me a link!)

Hei1234 · 29/07/2026 10:50

I got diagnosed through my doctor, they did loads of other tests and ruled everything else out! It took ages

OP posts:
rainbow9713 · 29/07/2026 11:06

Weekendplans · 29/07/2026 10:01

How did you guys manage to send supporting information? It caps the online uploads to 5mb, but my adhd summary and my psychiatric CPTSD summary are all over this as theyre larger documents with a comprehensive overview kf my care + difficulties. Feels important to send them but i dont trust their free post! (Took 3 attempts to get my form before they emailed me a link!)

I would post the information but pay for a signed delivery personally. I did that when I returned my daughters DLA form

rainbow9713 · 29/07/2026 11:08

See my doctor wouldnt diagnose, my gp said it sounds like fibromyalgia or CFS but referred me to rheumatology. Who did a physical exam, blood tests, xrays and an MRI. And diagnosed fibromyalgia and a 40.5 mm cyst in my knee (cant see it from the outside)

rainbow9713 · 29/07/2026 11:09

Trumpisacunt · 29/07/2026 09:41

Try using chat gpt - I put in the descipter and then my condition and it articulated why I found it difficult and the problems I experienced so much better than I ever could ...it obviously worked as I didnt get any points on my first application but was awarded pip when I re applied at the suggestion of occy health who suggested using the above .

I absolutely love chat gpt and have been answering the questions myself, but then using chat gpt to help me refine the answers

Hei1234 · 29/07/2026 11:29

All doctors r different arent they! But u have been reading up and aslong as they have tested for everything then they can diagnose it

OP posts:
rainbow9713 · 29/07/2026 11:32

Bloody forgot to ask for my medical summary, my daughter gets so anxious about going to gp i have to ask my mkm to come aswell. Because my daughter is can be a runner, and gone are the days I can run after her and catch her now 🤦‍♀️

Carouseloflife · 29/07/2026 11:37

I have rheumatoid arthritis and severe osteoporosis. Difficulty walking, dressing, cooking, the lethargy is having a massive impact on my life and I’ve had to reduce my working hours to a quarter of what I used to do. I’ve had broken bones, dislocations due to my conditions and surgery, I also have loads of evidence but didn’t qualify for PIP. I do have a disability bus pass but can’t get to the bus stop.
It’s up to you if you apply, but I wish you all the best with it.
Sorry to be so negative, but I’m just being honest.

DarkLion · 29/07/2026 11:43

I was quite surprised as my sister who I care for has just received an updated claim with high rate mobility now being paid for and has ?fibromyalgia. She also has a learning disability and I had to take on her care when my mum died in her 50s a few years ago. However she has hyper mobility and had what they said was bursitis in her hips, she’s had physio to no joy who spoke to someone else who said it sounds like she has fibromyalgia but no official diagnosis. She’s had a flare up all week and complains of burning to her whole body, exhaustion and says she feels like her whole body has been hit by a bus. Although I’ve also experienced gp’s asking if I thought it could be in her head 🙄

she’s on amitryptline every night and occasional codeine when the pain is the worst ever and I genuinely didn’t think she’d get it but she has after having ng to go into how it affects her on a daily basis. She has however been getting pip for 11 years but was receiving high rate daily living component and just standard mobility originally

rainbow9713 · 29/07/2026 12:17

Carouseloflife · 29/07/2026 11:37

I have rheumatoid arthritis and severe osteoporosis. Difficulty walking, dressing, cooking, the lethargy is having a massive impact on my life and I’ve had to reduce my working hours to a quarter of what I used to do. I’ve had broken bones, dislocations due to my conditions and surgery, I also have loads of evidence but didn’t qualify for PIP. I do have a disability bus pass but can’t get to the bus stop.
It’s up to you if you apply, but I wish you all the best with it.
Sorry to be so negative, but I’m just being honest.

Do you have anywhere by you who can help you fill the forms. Like where I am there os a company who help you do all the forms (they do majority just ask you questions), and they take 25% off first backdated payment. But then all payments are yours there after.

I cant remeber the company name, however when I was on a course regarding my daughter it was mentioned for DLA and PIP claims

Carouseloflife · 29/07/2026 12:22

rainbow9713 · 29/07/2026 12:17

Do you have anywhere by you who can help you fill the forms. Like where I am there os a company who help you do all the forms (they do majority just ask you questions), and they take 25% off first backdated payment. But then all payments are yours there after.

I cant remeber the company name, however when I was on a course regarding my daughter it was mentioned for DLA and PIP claims

Thank you for your response. I’m currently helping a family member to apply who is in a greater need than me.

rainbow9713 · 29/07/2026 12:28

I hope you can make a successful claim for your family member and yourself

Hei1234 · 29/07/2026 13:17

Claims are also taking quite a long time at the moment too aren’t they

OP posts:
rainbow9713 · 29/07/2026 14:12

I think the aim is 5 months agter they receive your claim, but dont quote me

puddycat1 · 30/07/2026 20:16

I’m in Northern Ireland and sent my form in at the start of July and had my assessment on Tuesday. It must depend on where you live on how long it takes.

Besidemyselfwithworry · 30/07/2026 20:30

My friend put her claim in 4 weeks ago (she’s had a stroke) and has a telephone assessment date beginning of September (Nottinghamshire!) maybe it’s a postcode lottery on timeframes but I wouldn’t have thought for telephone assessments it would have mattered as surely it’s a centralised team somewhere calling people?? Unless they have regional teams and some areas have a backlog.

@Hei1234 I hope you get sorted soon.

Hei1234 · 31/08/2026 20:21

rainbow9713 · 26/07/2026 09:13

Hi jumping on this thread aswell, I have actually asked for the application after debating for some time. Been struggling for around 3 years bavk and forth to gp ect, diagnosed fibromyalgia about 4 months ago.
I have had to substantially reduce my working hours (luckily this is documented on a rheumatology report), have gone from being really active (easily 30k steps a day) a few years ago. To having to sit down while I am cooking and ironing.

I decided to apply because I just think the worse they can do is say no 🤷‍♀️, and the adaptations I have had to make to my life do cost more. I dont drive and wouldnt think twice if walking miles or getting public transport before, whereas now its uber as brain fog and pain are horrible some days. Grocery deliveries now (which doesnt really add to cost tbf), relying on other people way more than I like. Clothing.... I have somehow lost the ability to fasten a bra??? Like my shoulders just do not have the strength anymore.
My kids not having the mom they once had, I also have an autistic 13 year old in receipt of high rate care DLA. Luckily her needs are more monitoring and emotional needs, and the doesnt sleep 🤦‍♀️. So thankfully I don't need to do lifting or carrying.

So I would say go for it, the worst they can do is say no. Gather all evidence, i have 2 rheumatology reports, an orthopaedic report and have another appointment with them tomorrow. An MRI report, I am being honest on the pip form as I can do things like cook (on good days) as i have to for my kids. But the aftermath of doing the simple daily things cam leave me knackered for hours after.

How are you doing with your application? Xx

OP posts:
Hei1234 · 31/08/2026 20:23

puddycat1 · 30/07/2026 20:16

I’m in Northern Ireland and sent my form in at the start of July and had my assessment on Tuesday. It must depend on where you live on how long it takes.

Have you had the outcome of you pip assessment? Xx

OP posts:
Health47 · 31/08/2026 20:26

rainbow9713 · 26/07/2026 09:13

Hi jumping on this thread aswell, I have actually asked for the application after debating for some time. Been struggling for around 3 years bavk and forth to gp ect, diagnosed fibromyalgia about 4 months ago.
I have had to substantially reduce my working hours (luckily this is documented on a rheumatology report), have gone from being really active (easily 30k steps a day) a few years ago. To having to sit down while I am cooking and ironing.

I decided to apply because I just think the worse they can do is say no 🤷‍♀️, and the adaptations I have had to make to my life do cost more. I dont drive and wouldnt think twice if walking miles or getting public transport before, whereas now its uber as brain fog and pain are horrible some days. Grocery deliveries now (which doesnt really add to cost tbf), relying on other people way more than I like. Clothing.... I have somehow lost the ability to fasten a bra??? Like my shoulders just do not have the strength anymore.
My kids not having the mom they once had, I also have an autistic 13 year old in receipt of high rate care DLA. Luckily her needs are more monitoring and emotional needs, and the doesnt sleep 🤦‍♀️. So thankfully I don't need to do lifting or carrying.

So I would say go for it, the worst they can do is say no. Gather all evidence, i have 2 rheumatology reports, an orthopaedic report and have another appointment with them tomorrow. An MRI report, I am being honest on the pip form as I can do things like cook (on good days) as i have to for my kids. But the aftermath of doing the simple daily things cam leave me knackered for hours after.

and the adaptations I have had to make to my life do cost more

What adaptions have you had to make that are an added cost now?

rainbow9713 · 31/08/2026 20:48

Hei1234 · 31/08/2026 20:21

How are you doing with your application? Xx

Actually received a text today saying....

A Health Professional is looking at your PIP claim. They will contact you with an appointment if they need to. You only need to contact us if your circumstances change.

So my application is moving through the system. I am hoping if they book an assessment its soon.

rainbow9713 · 31/08/2026 20:50

Health47 · 31/08/2026 20:26

and the adaptations I have had to make to my life do cost more

What adaptions have you had to make that are an added cost now?

Ubers alot as getting about is difficult now, the days when I am really fatigued ordering food for the kids as I dont have the energy to cook. Clothing that is easier to get on and off such as pull on bras

Hei1234 · 31/08/2026 20:52

rainbow9713 · 31/08/2026 20:48

Actually received a text today saying....

A Health Professional is looking at your PIP claim. They will contact you with an appointment if they need to. You only need to contact us if your circumstances change.

So my application is moving through the system. I am hoping if they book an assessment its soon.

Hopefully won’t be too much longer now, but u never know with these things xx

OP posts:
puddycat1 · 03/09/2026 08:41

Hei1234 · 31/08/2026 20:23

Have you had the outcome of you pip assessment? Xx

Not yet. Got a message yesterday to say it could be another 6 weeks for a decision. Will just have to be patient.