- Fast-tracked access to disability benefits has been extended
to more people nearing the end of their lives
Thousands more people nearing the end of their lives now have
fast-tracked access to financial support through the benefits
system thanks to legislation coming into effect today (Monday 3
April).
The change means people who are thought to be in their final year
of life are able to receive vital financial support through the
‘Special Rules’ six months earlier than they were previously.
Those who are eligible are not required to attend a medical
assessment, and in the majority of cases, they will receive the
highest rate of benefits.
This applies to Personal Independent Payment (PIP), Disability Living
Allowance (DLA)
and Attendance Allowance (AA). It follows the same changes
that were put in place for Universal Credit (UC) and Employment and Support
Allowance (ESA) in April 2022.
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, said:
Helping people access financial support more quickly in the final
year of their lives is the right thing to do.
Extending this support will provide thousands more people with
vital financial support, so they can worry a little less about
their finances and make the most of their remaining time with
loved ones.
I am especially grateful to my predecessors in the role for the
vital work they did in bringing forward this hugely important
reform and am pleased to say we have brought about positive
change.
Minister for Care, said:
When people are nearing the end of their life, they deserve all
the help possible to ease any worries about bills. That’s why
we’ve changed the law so you can get financial help support
sooner.
On top of that, as well as helping people with finances towards
the end of their lives, our Health and Care Act 2022 requires
local NHS organisations to make sure they people also get the
palliative care they need.
Just as we want healthier lives, I know how important it is to
have the right healthcare at the end of life.
Further Information
- The Special Rules changes to PIP, DLA and AA came into effect from Monday, 3
April 2023.
- The Special Rules for End of Life were previously referred to
as ‘Special Rules for Terminal Illness’ (SRTI)
- The Social Security (Special Rules for End of Life) Act 2022
received Royal Assent in November last year.
- Previous Ministers for Disabled People, Health and Work,
and were involved in work on
reforming the Special Rules for End of Life during their time
at the Department for Work and Pensions.
- The National Institute for Health and Care Research has
funded palliative and end-of-life care research to a total of
over £22m over the last five financial years, and as part of the
Health and Care Act 2022, palliative care services were added to
the list of services that Integrated Care Board must commission.
- Palliative care is defined by the World Health Organisation
as an approach that improves the quality of life of patients
(adults and children) and their families who are facing problems
associated with life-limiting illness, usually progressive. It
prevents and relieves suffering through the early identification,
correct assessment and treatment of pain and other problems
whether physical, psychosocial or spiritual. In England, the term
‘end of life care’ refers to the last year of life.
- As part of the Health and Care Act 2022, palliative care
services were specifically added to the list of services an
Integrated Care Board must commission. This will ensure a more
consistent national approach and support commissioners in
prioritising palliative and end of life care.
