The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will fast-track benefits support for terminally ill people from next month.
The Social Security (Special Rules for End of Life) Bill will allow people to quickly claim benefits up to 12 months in advance if they are diagnosed terminally ill. The new addition, which is expected to come into effect from April 3, will provide an update to the "special rules" set by the DWP.
Currently, the limit for claiming benefits for terminally people is set at six months. However, the DWP said the new extension will allow thousands of more people to be eligible for the benefits.
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The department also highlighted that a medical assessment will not be required while the majority of cases will be eligible for the highest rate of benefits. Changes will be applied to personal independence payment (PIP), disability living allowance (DLA), and attendance allowance (AA).
Tom Pursglove, minister for disabled people, health and work, 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.”
Mark Jackson, from Marie Curie, said: “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.”
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