DWP to fast-track disability payments for thousands of people in final year of life from next month

dailyrecord.co.uk:

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