The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that thousands more people nearing the end of their lives will get fast-tracked access to financial support through the benefits system thanks to legislation coming into effect on Monday, April 3.
The changes will mean people who are thought to be in their final year of life will be able to receive vital financial support through the ‘Special Rules’ six months earlier than they were able to previously. Those who are eligible will not be required to attend a medical assessment, and in the majority of cases, they will receive the highest rate of benefits.
The change will apply to Personal Independent Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA). This follows the same changes that were put in place for Universal Credit (UC) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) in April 2022.
Commenting on the upcoming change, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP said: “Helping people in the final year of their lives to get faster access to financial support is the right thing to do, providing the dignity they deserve.
“Extending this support will ensure more people can concentrate on making the most of their remaining time with loved ones, rather than worrying about finances. I am especially grateful to my predecessors in the role for the vital work they did, in bringing forward this hugely important reform, which I am glad to confirm will be implemented very soon.”
Marie Curie’s Senior Policy and Research Manager, Mark Jackson, said: “We are pleased to see these changes come into effect, having campaigned alongside terminally ill people and the Motor Neurone Disease Association to scrap the previous six-month rule.
“A terminal diagnosis should not come with the added stress of financial struggles and these changes are an important step in the right direction to ensure that doesn’t happen. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions, to continue to improve end of life experience for all.”
Steven McIntosh, Executive Director of Advocacy and Communications at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We welcome the news that more people with cancer will be able to access easier, fast-tracked financial support when they are nearing the end of life. Cancer can have a significant financial burden on a person’s life, and for many the situation is being made worse by the rapid rise in day-to-day living costs.”
Alex Massey, Head of Campaigning, Policy & Public Affairs, Motor Neurone Disease Association said: “Living with a complex disease like MND is devastating and unpredictable, and the reformed Special Rules for End of Life process will enable more people with the disease to access the support they need quickly without the need for a face-to-face assessment.
“Years of campaigning by the MND Association and Marie Curie has led to this important reform and we are delighted that it is now in place across all applicable benefits.”
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