Cost of living support and what it means for the Parkinson's community

This news story was originally published on 26 May 2022. It was updated on 23 November 2022.

As the cost of living rises, the UK government has announced the support households across the UK will receive. For our community, this means:

• People with Parkinson's who claim means-tested benefits will get a one-off payment of £650. This includes Income Based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Pension Credit.
• Anyone who claims Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will receive a further one-off payment of £150. A separate one-off payment of £300 will be made to pensioner households. 
• Every household will receive a £400 reduction in their energy bills. You won’t need to pay this back as energy suppliers will automatically apply the reduction to bills from October 2022. The £400 discount will be spread over 6 months. For those in Northern Ireland, how this will be administered is still being agreed.
• Pensioner households where at least one person claims the State Pension and receives the Winter Fuel Payment, will receive a further £300.

The £650 for people on means-tested benefits will be paid in 2 lump sums. The first £326 was paid in July 2022 and the whole balance will be paid in the autumn before 31 October 2022. 

The £650, £150 and £300 payments are tax-free. None of these payments will count towards the benefit cap and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards. The payments will not count in any social care assessment of resources.

Welcome news

Sue Christoforou, Senior Policy and Campaigns Adviser at Parkinson's UK, said:

"We welcome the Chancellor's announcement today and think this additional financial support will make a difference to the 145,000 people living with Parkinson’s in the UK who face higher disability-related costs and especially those on the lowest incomes. 

"We believe the benefits system isn’t set at the right level to support those living with disabilities. But at a time when people need money with the cost of living spiralling uncontrollably, today’s announcement is a step in the right direction."

Share how the cost of living is impacting you

We know from past research that living with Parkinson’s can cost a household more each year. Read more about the cost of living with Parkinson's.

We want to hear how the cost of living crisis is affecting your household. Please share your experience with us. 

If you'd like to get involved with influencing politicians and decision makers to improve the benefit system, please join our Campaigns Network or become a campaigns volunteer.