PIP for Knee or Hip Replacement - Before, During and After Surgery

Joint replacement surgery - whether knee, hip, shoulder, or ankle - creates significant PIP-eligible difficulties before, during recovery, and often permanently afterwards. Many people assume a replacement "fixes" everything and don't claim. In reality, recovery takes 6-12 months, and many people never regain full function.

Before Surgery

If you're on the waiting list for a joint replacement, your condition is already severe enough to warrant surgery. The pain, stiffness, and mobility limitations that led to the surgical decision are all PIP-relevant. Don't wait until after surgery to claim - claim now based on your current difficulties.

During Recovery (0-12 Months Post-Surgery)

The first 3 months after joint replacement are the most disabling. You cannot:

• Walk more than a few metres without a frame or crutches
• Bend to put on socks, shoes, or trousers
• Get in or out of a bath
• Stand long enough to cook
• Drive (typically 6-12 weeks)

This period alone can score enough for PIP. Even at 6-12 months, most people still have significant restrictions - ongoing pain, stiffness, limited bending, and reduced walking distance.

After Recovery

A replacement joint is not a normal joint. You may have permanent restrictions: limited bending (especially after knee replacement), inability to kneel, ongoing pain especially in cold weather, risk of dislocation (hip replacement), and reduced walking distance compared to someone without joint problems. If these restrictions affect your daily life on the majority of days, PIP still applies.

Which Activities Are Affected?

Moving Around (Activity 12) - Reduced walking distance, unsteady gait, use of walking aids. Even after full recovery, many people can't walk as far as before.

Washing and Bathing (Activity 4) - Can't get in/out of bath. Difficulty bending in shower. Need for shower seat and grab rails.

Dressing (Activity 6) - Can't bend to put on socks, shoes, trousers. Need sock aids, long shoe horns, and sometimes help from another person.

Preparing Food (Activity 1) - Standing tolerance reduced. Can't bend to oven. Difficulty carrying heavy items.

Managing Therapy (Activity 3) - Physiotherapy exercises (daily), pain medication, hospital follow-ups, wound care.

What If PIP Says I'm "Better" After Surgery?

At your next PIP review, the DWP may argue that your joint replacement has improved your condition. Challenge this if it's not true. Get your surgeon to write a letter confirming what permanent restrictions remain. "Improved" doesn't mean "cured" - if you still have difficulties on the majority of days, you still qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions

My surgeon says the operation was a success. Can I still claim?

A successful operation doesn't mean full recovery. Most people have ongoing pain, restricted bending, inability to kneel, and reduced walking distance after knee replacement. "Successful" means the joint was replaced without complications - not that you can function like before. Describe your remaining limitations honestly.

I need a knee replacement but I'm on the waiting list. Can I claim now?

Yes, claim immediately based on your current condition. The pain, mobility problems, and daily difficulties that led to the surgical decision are all PIP-claimable right now. Your back payment will cover from your claim date, including the surgical recovery period.