Attendance Allowance › Parkinson's Disease
Attendance Allowance and Parkinson's Disease: Do You Qualify?
Last updated: April 2026 · Reviewed by: Silverwings Benefits Team · Source: DWP
Parkinson's disease rarely affects two people in exactly the same way, and the difficulties it causes can vary hour to hour, not just day to day. Attendance Allowance is designed around exactly that kind of fluctuating, unpredictable need for help or supervision.
Important: there\u2019s no list of qualifying conditions
Attendance Allowance isn\u2019t awarded because of a diagnosis \u2014 it\u2019s awarded based on the help and supervision you need day-to-day because of your health. Two people with parkinson's disease can have very different levels of need, and both routes below start with a free, no-obligation check.
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Check If You’re Likely to Qualify
A few quick questions about the help you need day-to-day — no jargon, no medical terms. Takes about 2 minutes.
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How Parkinson's Disease Can Affect Daily Life
These are the kinds of everyday difficulties that can be relevant to an Attendance Allowance claim. Not everyone with parkinson's disease experiences all of these, and some people experience difficulties not listed here \u2014 this is general context, not a checklist to copy onto a form.
Tremor affecting dressing and eating
Shaking hands can make buttons, zips, cutlery and drinking from a cup difficult or slow, sometimes needing help to avoid spills or injury.
Slowness of movement
Simple tasks like getting dressed or making a drink can take far longer than they used to, and may need someone else to step in to finish them.
Freezing episodes
Suddenly being unable to move, particularly when starting to walk or turning, which can be frightening and genuinely dangerous without someone nearby.
Balance problems and falls risk
Significantly increased fall risk, especially on stairs, uneven ground, or when turning quickly, often meaning supervision is needed even indoors.
Medication timing management
Medication often needs to be taken at precise times to avoid symptoms worsening, which can mean needing reminders or help managing a strict schedule.
Fatigue
A lesser-known but common symptom that can mean needing help with tasks later in the day even when morning function is relatively good.
How Much Could You Get?
£76.70/wk
Lower Rate
Help needed by day or night
£114.60/wk
Higher Rate
Help needed by day and night
Tax-free, not means-tested \u2014 see full details on our main Attendance Allowance page.
Why Not Apply Alone?
Parkinson's-related claims are often under-assessed because symptoms fluctuate, and it's easy to describe a 'typical' day rather than a bad 'off' period. Getting this right matters — which is exactly the kind of detail our team focuses on.
DWP figures show 59% of new disability benefit claims are disallowed nationally. We\u2019ve helped hundreds of people apply successfully since October 2023, on a success-based fee basis \u2014 you only pay if your application succeeds.
Check If You're Eligible
Our free eligibility check takes just a couple of minutes. No obligation, no pressure.
Not sure Attendance Allowance is the right fit? Check everything you could be owed, free.