Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment has she made of the (a) accessibility of the personal independence payment for people with Parkinson's disease and (b) potential impact of personal independence payment assessments on people living with that disease.

People with Parkinson’s disease are able to access PIP in the same way as other people with long-term health conditions or disabilities. A variety of reasonable adjustments can be made to the claims process and associated communications for customers who require them. Claimants are encouraged to attend assessments with a companion should additional support be required.

Entitlement to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is assessed on the daily living and mobility needs arising from a health condition or disability, rather than the health condition or disability itself. The assessment is carried out by qualified healthcare professionals and looks at an individual’s ability to carry out everyday activities which are fundamental to living an independent life, including their ability to prepare, cook and eat food, dress and undress, make budgeting decisions, manage and monitor their health condition, and plan and follow journeys. The assessment ensures that the greatest level of support goes to those least able to carry out the activities.