Disabled people in last year of life to have benefits fast-tracked

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that thousands of people nearing the end of their lives will receive vital, fast-tracked financial support, which includes individuals who rely on assistive technologies.

Fast-tracked access to Personal Independent Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Attendance Allowance (AA) will be extended to people who are in their final year of life.

PIP helps with some of the extra costs caused by a long-term disability, ill-health, or a terminal illness. The finances could be used to purchase essential assistive technologies for people with reduced mobility or cover the costs of a carer, for example.

The latest quarterly PIP figures revealed that just four percent of initial decisions were overturned (revised in favour of the claimant) at a tribunal hearing. This could perhaps suggest fairer PIP assessments being carried out by professionals, as tribunal success rates (in favour of the claimant) in the past have been much higher.

Thanks to recent legislation, thousands more people nearing the end of their life will have fast-tracked access to financial support through the benefits system.

King Charles III has granted Royal Assent to the Social Security (Special Rules for End of Life) Bill. Special Rules for End of Life were previously referred to as Special Rules for Terminal Illness.

This means that people who are thought to be in the final year of their life will be able to receive fast-tracked access to certain benefits, six months earlier than they were able to previously.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride MP said: “It’s hugely important that people in the last year of their life are treated with dignity and receive the financial support they need and deserve quickly.

“Extending this support confirms our commitment to alleviating the pressures faced by those who are nearing the end of their lives, and their families.”

The Special Rules changes to PIP, DLA, and AA will come into effect “as soon as practical”, according to the DWP.

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.