Terminally ill people will soon have their disability benefits fast-tracked. A change in the law means faster access to the payments will be extended to those who are in their final year of life.
It comes after landmark legislation was passed last week. In one of his first major legislative acts as monarch, King Charles III has granted Royal Assent to the Social Security (Special Rules for End of Life) Bill.
It 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. This will apply to Personal Independent Payments (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA).
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 and follow the same changes made to Universal Credit (UC) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) earlier this year. Those who are eligible will not be required to attend a medical assessment.
The Government says that in the majority of cases they will receive the highest rate of benefits.
