Parkinson's, work and benefits

Is Parkinson's a disability?

Under the Equality Act 2010, a condition counts as a disability if it has a substantial (more than minor) and long-term (12 months or more) effect on your normal daily activities. The law looks at how you would be without treatment. Most people with Parkinson's are covered.

At work

Reasonable adjustments could include:

• flexible hours that fit around your medicine times
• more breaks, and a place to rest
• voice recognition software, or an adapted keyboard and mouse
• less travel, or working from home

Access to Work can help pay for equipment and support.

Benefits

PIP is based on how Parkinson's affects you on most days. Symptoms often change through the day, so think about the whole day, including "off" periods. It can affect activities such as:

• preparing food, eating, washing and dressing, if tremor, stiffness or slowness make them hard or slow
• managing medicines, with complex timings
• communicating, if your voice is quiet
• moving around, if you freeze, shuffle or fall

If you are over State Pension age, look at Attendance Allowance instead of PIP. It is for people who need help with personal care or supervision.

If you cannot work

If your health means you cannot work, or can only work a little, you may be able to get New Style Employment and Support Allowance or extra money in Universal Credit. These are separate from PIP, and you can get them at the same time.

Other help

You may be able to get a Blue Badge and help with home adaptations.

Free, independent advisers, such as Citizens Advice or a local welfare rights service, can help you check what you can claim and fill in forms.