Pip application

Hi Paulp,
Welcome to B&W!
PIP is awarded if you can show that disability and or illness prevents ir restricts you from doing the specified activities under the descriptors. Depending on your level of disability you get points for each descriptor and need to score 8+ for standard rate and if you get over 12 then its enhanced rate.
There are 2 separate sections (components) one for Daily Living the other for Mobility. There is no need for a formal diagnosis at all, but of course having one will make proving your case easier. Likewise because PiP is awarded on the basis of lack of function any illness can give rise to a claim, providing there is sufficient disability. Therefore there is no reason why having Parkinson's would preclude a claim.
Have a look at the members' guides.
Each descriptor looks at a certain area, for example the ability to cook and prepare food, toilet needs, being able to socialise with others etc. Take each topic at a time.
I'll start with toilet needs, as this is one of the easiest descriptors to understand. Do this same analysis for all descriptors.
1. Do I have any difficulties? 2. What problems do I have?
3.Why?
4.When? Is it constantly or only at certain times?
5. If not constant would it amount to the majority of days?
6. Do I need some form of help? A gadget or maybe a person?
7. If I manage the activity can I do it safely, in a reasonable time, in an acceptable manner, this includes without eg significant pain being breathless, etc, can I repeat across the whole day as reasonably required - if you fail just one of these criteria this indicates you can't do the activity correctly, it may indicate some form if help or you can't do (legally for PIP) at all.
So now consider do you have problems with toilet needs.
Do you need incontinence pads even as a precaution, maybe you need a grab rail to prevent falls. If eg you have difficulty bending you might need personal assistance with cleaning yourself. Managing incontinence has a higher points level, more so if you have double incontinence. Many of the descriptors are cumulative, and the toilet needs one illustrates thus very clearly. If you have a catheter or stoma bag or similar this would comprise an aid. So, consider your needs, could an aid or appliance help , do you need a person even with an aid? Maybe you have a risk of injury, eg falls and hence need supervision. If you can't complete the task in the manner that most people would think was OK or too slowly, or can't do it safely, quickly enough etc every time then you would get points according to whether you hsve incontinence and to what degree. Other descriptors follow a similar pattern. Basically it is I can do this OK I need a gadget I need a person physically or to encourage/prompt Even with help I'm not safe, quick enough etc Or because eg I am so profoundly disabled I couldn't even attempt this activity If you have any doubts about how you perform these activities you can write a disability diary. Write what you do, does it hurt, did you eg drop something, did you fall etc. Did you have or need help? Did you avoid something because it was too difficult or there was no help? Maybe something went well, include this too. How far did you walk, why didn't you go further, did you have any pain, did it increase, when did it decrease? What time did you get up, was this normal or not, did you have to sleep during the day, were you awake at night? Any information you can write even if you miss a day or part of it can be very helpful. Think about connections. If you fall outside do you fall inside - maybe not because you hold the furniture at home, or you stumble and regain balance - but it still shows poor mobility. Think also about mental health issues, needing encouragement forgetfulness, confusion as well.
Have a think about all of this.(Yes it is a bit daunting-sorry!) If you need help about specific topics please repost. There might be more specific info here www.parkinsons.org.uk/ you may wish to seek a benefits advice organisation such as CAB. I hope this helps.
LL26