Introduction to benefits

If you have Parkinson's, or care for someone who does, you might be worried about how you'll manage financially. If you can't work or if you need help with your day-to-day needs, this can lead to extra costs.

Benefits can help. The benefits system in the UK is there to support you:

• if you're unable to work
• if you have a low income
• when you retire.

How the benefits system works

While you're working, you pay National Insurance contributions so that if you're unable to work or when you retire, you receive benefits you've paid for. These are the 'contributory benefits', such as State Pension, and Employment and Support Allowance.

Sometimes, however, these benefits aren't enough to live on. Or you might not have paid enough National Insurance contributions to get the full amount.

In this case, 'means-tested benefits', such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit, can top up your income so you have enough to live on. Whether you're eligible and how much you get will depend on what income and savings you already have. 

There are also benefits for people who are ill or disabled, and for those who care for someone who's ill or disabled. These benefits aren't based on National Insurance contributions and aren't normally affected by any other income you have.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, these benefits include Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Carer's Allowance. In Scotland they include Pension Age Disability Payment, Adult Disability Payment, and Carer Support Payment.

Claiming benefits: top tips

• The benefits system is complex, and rules can change. It's a good idea to check that you're claiming everything you're entitled to regularly. Our helpline is always there to support you. Find out how to contact our helpline.
• Bear in mind that eligibility for some benefits depends on your age. Remember to check your entitlement when you reach State Pension age and also when your children turn 16 or 18.
• If your Parkinson's symptoms get worse, check if you may be entitled to more or a higher rate of benefits.
• Many benefits overlap. If you receive 1, there may be others you can't get.
• The 4 countries of the UK have some different rules around benefits, particularly Scotland. Make sure you have the right information for where you live.
• It's worth checking how the benefit cap might affect you. This is a limit on the total amount of benefits that most people can get between age 16 and State Pension age. Find out more about the benefit cap on the GOV.UK website.