Emergency Budget: Concern over medical test for Disability Living Allowance

22 June 2010

In today’s Emergency Budget, the Government announced there would be a medical assessment for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) affecting new and existing claimants from 2013.

We are concerned that the introduction of a blanket medical assessment could mean that people are wrongly assessed as not needing the allowance.

DLA is a benefit for people who have care needs and/or have difficulty walking. As Parkinson's is a fluctuating and degenerative condition, this will apply to all those affected at some stage. 

Our members' survey showed that over half of people with Parkinson’s (54%) feel they have additional spending requirements due to having the condition. DLA provides important support towards meeting these costs.  

Assessment must be fair and accurate

Steve Ford, our Chief Executive comments:

"We need the Government to create the right financial framework to make sure that no one with a complex condition like Parkinson's is denied access to vital benefits.

"Any DLA assessment needs to take into account the complex needs of people with a degenerative and fluctuating condition such as Parkinson's.

"We are concerned this medical reassessment process may mean people are assessed as not needing the support which they rely on.

"A high proportion of people with Parkinson's rely on disability benefits for their income. Although some of the additional costs they may face could be met through social care support, disability benefits are essential for costs that would not be covered by care services."

• email
• Share