A rule change is expected to see thousands of people with terminal illnesses given fast-tracked access to disability payments including Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Birmingham Live reports that people could only previously get state support paid quickly if expected to die within just six months.
Arguing this was too little too late, campaigners fought for the policy to be scrapped so that patients didn't have to deal with financial worries on top of their medical condition. It was agreed by the Department for Work and Pensions last year that people with a longer period of 12 months left to live would get benefits quickly and at the highest rate - but only if applying for Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
But new legislation coming into effect in April will also fast-track payments for the disability benefits Personal Independent Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance. It will mean thousands of people are to get vital cash approved months earlier.
