Benefits system fails people with Parkinson’s: what to do now and where to find support

Sue Christoforou

Policy Manager, Parkinson’s UK

Understand the impact of Parkinson’s on daily life. Learn about the struggles of applying for benefits, and join us in urging the UK Government to act.

Parkinson’s is a fluctuating degenerative neurological condition, which people experience in different ways. Many are being left unable to afford basic essentials due to inadequate cost of living support and failures of the benefits system.

The DWP needs to understand Parkinson’s

At Parkinson’s UK, we have heard from people left feeling like criminals or contemplating suicide after their benefits assessments by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). A shocking 50% of people with Parkinson’s who have applied for benefits say the person assessing their claim didn’t have a good knowledge of the condition.

Steep increase in benefits enquiries

Our advice service has seen a steep rise in enquiries from people living with the condition accessing our information about benefits. More than one in five (22%) of all enquiries in 2023 were about benefits and maximising income, and we’ve seen a 59% increase (2021–2023) in people accessing our online money, grants and benefits information pages, plus a 215% (2021–2023) increase in people ordering our printed information packs.

Around 43% say that their symptoms have
been made worse by their financial situation.

Left unable to afford basic needs

Our latest report, ‘Still nowhere near enough’, reveals many damning insights. Out of those living with the condition who are struggling financially:

• Almost 40% say that they do not have enough money to cover basic needs.
• One in four are having fewer meals to save money.
• Around 43% say that their symptoms have been made worse by their financial situation.

It’s unacceptable that due to a lack of support from the Government, people with Parkinson’s eligible for the benefits — designed to support them — are poorer than they should be. Cutting back on essentials, including heating and food, is hugely damaging to their physical and mental health. Join us in calling on the UK Government to take urgent action to prevent further damage.