Welfare reform

Why is this important?

Benefits are an essential source of income for many people with Parkinson's, with 30% of members receiving Disability Living Allowance, 41% receiving Attendance Allowance, and 10% receiving Incapacity Benefit.

The Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) continues to lobby government around their plans for welfare reform to ensure that people with Parkinson's can access the financial support they need.

What the PDS is doing

Employment and Support Allowance Report

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) was launched in October 2008, replacing Incapacity Benefit for new claimants.

We have published a report, Of little benefit and not working (PDF, 85KB), about the experiences of people with Parkinson's of claiming Employment and Support Allowance.

The report shows that the new assessment process is failing to take into account the full range of symptoms and fluctuating nature of Parkinson's.

The Disability Benefits Consortium

We are a member of the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC), a coalition bringing together interested organisations which campaigns on welfare benefits as they relate to people with disabilities. We have actively contributed to the joint lobbying undertaken by the DBC.

Recent submissions

We respond to government and other consultations likely to affect people with Parkinson's.

Our response to the Welfare Reform Green Paper 'No one written off' (PDF, 86KB) - October 2008

Advice and information

For information about benefits and other support available please visit our Advice section

Have your say

Our online discussion forum includes a forum on employment and benefits, a chance for you to share your views and experiences about employment benefits issues with other people with Parkinson's.