There is a way to make this easier, if you apply for benefits in a certain order.
Follow this three-step plan, and then the subsequent benefits are easier to claim.
This guide has been written from the perspective that you have been diagnosed with one of the Parkinson’s diseases, but will also be useful for people with any physical or mental disability. For example, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), any type of dementia, arthritis, chronic pain, etc.
Written for England. Most of it also applies in Wales, but some things differ elsewhere in the UK:
- Scotland: PIP has been replaced by Adult Disability Payment, run by Social Security Scotland.
- Northern Ireland: PIP is run separately – see nidirect.
- Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Bus passes and council tax rules vary by nation and by council.
This is a personal guide based on my own experience, not professional advice. For free expert help, see Free advice below.
The three-step plan
1Medical Diagnosis Letter
- Make sure you have one from your doctor/neurologist.
- Take a photo or scan of it – you’ll need it often.
- If diagnosed verbally, ask for a written diagnosis.
2Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Not means-tested; based on level of disability.
- Two parts: Mobility and Daily Living.
- Enhanced rates possible.
Age matters: you usually need to be under State Pension age to make a new PIP claim. If you’re over State Pension age, claim Attendance Allowance instead. It has no mobility part, so the vehicle tax and some travel discounts below won’t come through that route.
| Standard weekly rate | Enhanced weekly rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Daily living part | £76.70 | £114.60 |
| Mobility part | £30.30 | £80.00 |
Rates for April 2026 to April 2027. PIP is tax free.
- Keep a record of your answers – be honest and detailed.
- Use your Medical Diagnosis Letter.
- Scan and keep your PIP Decision Letter.
3Blue Badge
- Applies to the person, not the car. So you can use the Blue Badge in other people’s cars.
- Grants parking privileges in many areas.
- Access to free parking in some car parks (such as hospitals, or some council-run car parks).
- Wider spaces in pay-for car parks.
- Depending on the council, can include parking on double yellow lines (although not true in many cities, so check first).
- Not valid where there is a resident parking permit in operation, or if it’s a loading zone (vertical line crossing the double yellow lines).
- Much easier to get with a PIP award, especially for Mobility.
Then these become easier to claim
Driving – Tell the DVLA
- If you have Parkinson’s (or another condition that can affect driving), you must tell the DVLA. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t.
- You can report it online, or with form PK1 for a car or motorcycle licence.
- Telling the DVLA doesn’t automatically mean losing your licence – many people keep driving.
- You should also tell your car insurer.
Vehicle Tax Exemption
- 100% discount for vehicle tax if you get the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP.
- 50% discount for vehicle tax if you get the PIP standard rate mobility component.
- Easy to apply for in a post office with your V5C and your PIP Decision Letter. It takes a couple of weeks before your new V5C is posted to your home.
- Other criteria apart from receiving PIP can also apply.
Congestion Charge (London)
- 100% discount if you have a Blue Badge (there’s a one-off £10 registration fee).
- You can register up to two vehicles that you would normally use to travel within the Congestion Charge zone or through the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels. This could be your own vehicle, or one you travel in.
Bus Pass
- Free local bus travel (and off-peak national services).
- If you live outside London, it does not include London buses, tube or trams.
- If you live inside London, the Freedom Pass provides free travel on London’s bus, tube, tram and National Rail services, as well as free local bus travel across England.
- Use your PIP Decision Letter as proof.
Disabled Persons Railcard
- ⅓ off rail fares for you and a companion.
- £20 per year or £54 for three years.
- An enhanced PIP for mobility will prove you can have this. Eligibility has recently been widened to more health conditions, so you can still apply without it.
- Typically, the railcard is stored in the Railcard app on your mobile phone.
CEA Card – Free Cinema Ticket for Companion
- Free ticket for a companion at participating cinemas.
- Being in receipt of PIP will count as evidence, but there are other criteria.
Council Tax Discounts
25% off if you have dementia
- You may be “disregarded” if you’re severely mentally impaired.
- Applies with conditions like dementia (PDD, DLB, Alzheimer’s, etc).
- You’ll need a certificate from a medical professional such as your GP, and to be getting a qualifying benefit – usually PIP daily living or Attendance Allowance. Check with your council.
- Assuming you live at home with your partner, and you have children in education (so they’re disregarded too), or the children have moved out, then your household will only have one person who is regarded (your partner).
- Larger discounts are possible if you live alone, or with a carer.
- Use your Medical Diagnosis Letter and PIP Decision Letter as proof that you’re eligible.
Disabled Band Reduction Scheme
- If your home has an extra bathroom, kitchen or room, or extra space for a wheelchair, because of a disability, your bill can drop by one band (or 17% off if you’re already in Band A).
NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)
A PPC could save you money if you pay for your NHS prescriptions. The certificate covers all your NHS prescriptions for a set price. You will save money if you need more than 3 items in 3 months, or 11 items in 12 months.
| England, April 2026 to April 2027 | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single prescription item | £9.90 |
| PPC for 3 months | £32.05 |
| PPC for 12 months | £114.50 |
There’s no need to prove you are disabled. This is applicable to all in England. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Priority Services Register Everyday help
- Free extra support from your energy supplier and network operator, if you have a disability or long-term condition, or are over State Pension age.
- Includes priority help in a power cut, advance warning of planned outages, password schemes for callers, and bills in accessible formats.
- Water companies run similar schemes – ask yours.
RADAR Key Everyday help
- Opens locked accessible toilets across the UK (the National Key Scheme) – in shopping centres, stations, pubs and cafés.
- About £5 from Disability Rights UK (VAT-free if you’re eligible).
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Everyday help
- A lanyard or badge that quietly signals you may need extra help, understanding or time – recognised at airports, stations, shops and many workplaces.
- Useful when symptoms aren’t obvious, or vary through the day.
Access Card Everyday help
- A photo card that shows your access needs as simple symbols, so you don’t have to explain each time at venues, attractions and events.
- £15 for three years. You’ll need to send evidence of your disability.
VAT Relief on Equipment Everyday help
- No VAT on equipment designed or adapted for disabled people – for example stairlifts, adjustable beds, riser chairs, ramps and bathroom adaptations, plus their installation and repair.
- You confirm you’re eligible in writing, usually on a simple declaration form from the supplier.
Lasting Power of Attorney Everyday help
- Lets someone you trust make decisions for you if you can’t in future. Worth setting up early after a Parkinson’s or dementia diagnosis, while you can choose.
- Two types: health and welfare, and property and financial affairs.
- £92 to register each one (reductions are available on a low income). Applies in England and Wales.
Other Possible Benefits
Highly dependent on the level of disablement, income, savings, or equity.
- Attendance AllowanceInstead of PIP if you’re over State Pension age
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)New claims are “New Style” ESA only – otherwise claim Universal Credit
- Universal CreditMonthly help with living costs on a low income or out of work – more may be paid if illness or disability limits your work
- Carer’s AllowanceFor someone who cares for you at least 35 hours a week, if their earnings are below a set limit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – for under 16sFor children with extra care or mobility needs – PIP takes over from age 16
- Housing BenefitNew claims only if over State Pension age, or in supported or temporary housing – otherwise Universal Credit
- Disabled Facilities GrantsA council grant towards adapting your home, such as stairlifts, ramps or an accessible bathroom
- Access to WorkHelp paying for the support or equipment you need to do your job
- Motability SchemeLease a car using the enhanced mobility part of PIP
Free Advice
- Parkinson’s UK helpline – 0808 800 0303Free to call. Monday to Friday 9am–6pm, Saturday 10am–1pm. Trained advisers can help with benefits, PIP and your rights, and put you in touch with a local Parkinson’s adviser.
- Citizens AdviceFree, independent help with benefit claims, forms and appeals, online, by phone or in person.