Fast-tracked access to benefits for people with terminal illness expanded — Scope | Disability forum
Please read our updated community house rules and community guidelines.

Fast-tracked access to benefits for people with terminal illness expanded

Options
Tori_Scope
Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,492 Disability Gamechanger
in Disability rights and campaigning
Changes announced today confirm that the current Special Rules for Terminal Illness which fast-track benefit applications for those with a terminal diagnosis of six months is to be replaced with a new 12-month, end of life definition.

The move will ensure that people in the final year of their life will receive vital financial support quicker than they can do at present and at the highest rate through revised Special Rules.

Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson said:

"Being diagnosed with a terminal illness is devastating and this change will increase much needed support for people who are nearing the end of their lives.

The new 12-month approach will ensure people get the financial help they need as quickly as possible in the most challenging of times. We have carefully considered the best approach and I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to our work in reaching this outcome."

Under the updated rules, clinicians still have discretion and will be supported by a realistic and straightforward definition, which aligns with current NHS practice.

Ministers plan to implement the 12-month end-of-life approach across five DWP benefits, beginning with Universal Credit and Employment Support Allowance next year and Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment when parliamentary time allows.

It follows a DWP evaluation which heard the views of people nearing the end of their lives, their families and friends, the organisations supporting them and the clinicians involved in their care.

Could this change affect you? What do you think of the change? 

National Campaigns Officer, she/her

Check out our Playground Accessibility Map
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • janer1967
    janer1967 Community member Posts: 21,964 Disability Gamechanger
    Options
    It doesn't affect me but I think it is a good change and much needed one

    The last thing someone at end of life should have to go through is the lengthy process which in some cases is taking nearly a year to complete 

    So if someone currently has 9 month life expectancy they could have passed away by the time it is processed 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rubin16
    rubin16 Community member, Scope Member Posts: 537 Pioneering
    Options
    I think its a good start and a step in the direction. Last thing people need when they have such devasting news is having more stress and anxiety waiting for the system to give them financial support.

    It just should of come much sooner though to be honest, and just shows the government are still behind the times abit. Lets hope for more and better changes in the future.
    I have Autism, ADHD, Schizophrenia, Gilberts Syndrome and Crohn's Disease and have knowledge in these areas.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • calcotti
    calcotti Community member Posts: 10,010 Disability Gamechanger
    Options
    Ministers plan to implement the 12-month end-of-life approach across five DWP benefits, beginning with Universal Credit and Employment Support Allowance next year and Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment when parliamentary time allows.
    What I cannot get my head around is the practical implications of having, for a period, two definitions running in parallel depending on which benefit is being applied for. 
    Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Rules may be different in other parts of UK.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Brightness

Categories