Newly Diagnosed

First Steps

First Steps was introduced in 2015 as a face-to-face course delivered in two weekend sessions at a conference centre. Recently, Parkinson’s UK has adapted the programme so that it now runs online. There are four 3-hour sessions, delivered in two 2-day segments with a six week break between them. You can find more about First Steps at this link on Parkinson’s UK’s website.

Newly Diagnosed To-Do List

If you’ve just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s it can be difficult to work out what you need to do first. Click on the following link for information from the Parkinson’s UK website.

Find out more

If you need to talk to someone call the Parkinson’s UK free, confidential, helpline on: 0808 800 0303

DWP information on Working Age benefits

Statutory Sick Pay

https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay

Jobseeker’s Allowance

https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance

Universal Credit

https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Employment Support Allowance (Income and contribution based)

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

Carer’s Allowance

https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

Note that different rules apply for Carer’s Allowance depending on whether you are older or younger than State Pension age.

Carer’s Credit

If you are of working age and you have caring responsibilities for more than 20 hours per week, you may be entitled to Carer’s Credit which tops up your National Insurance contributions, preserving your levels of State Pension. See https://www.gov.uk/carers-credit

Personal Independence Payment

Don’t forget that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may be available to people of working age: https://www.gov.uk/pip

Parkinson’s UK information on working age benefits

https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/benefits-working-age-people provides information on:

• Statutory Sick Pay
• Jobseekers allowance
• Employment Support Allowance
• Universal credit