Starting April 4, people who are terminally ill will no longer need to prove that they have six months to live to access certain benefits.
UK Government ministers revealed on Thursday the date the "six-month rule" would be scrapped, after stating it was not fit for purpose three years earlier.
As reported by The Mirror, the Special Rules for Terminal Illness (SRTI) enable claimants who are terminally ill to receive fast-tracked benefits.
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However, they need to first have their GP to sign off on a form that confirms that the claimant can "reasonably be expected" to die within six months.
Following years of campaigning from charity organisations and MPs, this six month period will be extended to 12 years.
The April 4 change will only affect those claiming Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance, however.
The six month rule will reportedly continue to apply to terminally ill claimants applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) until at least next year.
The rules relating to Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance will be changed at a later date as well, with officials hoping for 2023.
Marie Curie Chief Executive Matthew Reed said: “This will ensure more dying people can concentrate on making the most of the limited time they have left, rather than worrying about their finances.”
However, he stated that “there is more to be done” and PIP must “come quickly in line with those benefits impacted today”.
Chief executive of Motor Neurone Disease Association Sally Light said: “This is an important first step and we hope that this positive change can be enacted for other applicable benefits as soon as possible.”
The Department for Work and Pensions said those who are eligible will not be subject to a face-to-face assessment or waiting periods, and in the majority of cases they will receive the highest rate of benefits.
Minister for Disabled People Chloe Smith said: “We want to ensure people in the final year of their lives get quicker access to vital financial support.
“We have listened to those with a terminal illness, as well as their families and friends, and we are delivering a change that will increase much-needed support in the most challenging of times.”
