What the April 2026 benefit changes mean for people with Parkinson's

UC changes

Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit for people of working age to help with your living costs. This payment is made up of:

• a standard allowance
• any additional amounts you might get based on your individual circumstances, such as a UC health payment. 

From 7 April, the UC 'standard allowance' is increasing from £92 a week to £98 a week. 

The UC health payment is also changing, with different rates for new and existing claimants:  

• For those who claim UC from 7 April, you’ll receive an additional health payment of £50 a week.
• For those with an ongoing UC claim, you’ll continue to be paid an additional health payment of £97 a week. 

Finally, the 2 child limit will no longer apply. Families with 3 or more children will receive an extra child payment for each additional child. 

PIP changes

PIP is a benefit you can claim if you need extra help with day-to-day activities or have trouble getting around due to your health or condition.

Firstly, the UK Government is increasing the number of in-person PIP assessments from 6% to 30%. 

Many people prefer in-person assessments, while others feel telephone or documentary evidence-based assessments work better for them. 

We believe that people with Parkinson’s should be able to choose how they're assessed. And an increase in the number of in-person assessments means more people will have their preference. 

Secondly, PIP awards will last for a minimum of 3 years for new PIP claimants aged 25 and over. As a claimant, your reward will increase to 5 years at your next review if you remain entitled. 

We’re also expecting PIP assessors to receive revised training, but we don’t have further details yet.  

What’s happening with the Timms PIP Review?

The Steering Group has chosen to review four themes: 

• the role and purpose of PIP
• eligibility, fairness and equity in the award of PIP
• experience of claiming PIP
• changing context and the impact on PIP.

The Steering Group held in-person events across the country during the summer. They have published an interim report and draft recommendations that they'll be testing with people who have applied for PIP. You can read more on the GOV.UK website.

Parkinson’s UK Review Reference Group

We’ve set up our own group of people with Parkinson’s who have experience of PIP. 

Their recommendations on how PIP can be improved for people with Parkinson’s will be sent to the Minister and all members of the UK government PIP Review Steering Group.

We’d love to hear your ideas and experiences, so please email them to us at [email protected].