Universal Credit rule change sees fast-track access extended from today

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A major change to who gets fast-tracked access to Universal Credit comes into force from today, April 4. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is updating the rules to allow more people who are nearing the end of their life to have their payments fast-tracked.

From today, people who have 12 months left to live will be eligible for fast-tracked access to both Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance.

Previously, people who had just six months or less left to live were eligible. According to the DWP, those who are eligible for the special rules will not be subject to a face-to-face assessment, and in the majority of cases they will receive the highest rate of benefits.

It means that an eligible person who makes a new claim for Universal Credit could receive an additional £354.28 per month for having limited capability for work and work-related activity from day one of their claim. READ MORE: The new PIP and DLA rates as payments rise this month People who are eligible under the new rules will have to provide confirmation from a clinician that they are in the final year of their life.