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.
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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. The DWP said clinicians will be supported with "a realistic and straightforward definition" which is in line with NHS practise.
The government says the changes to the rules, which have come into force after years of campaigning by charities and MPs, will allow more people to receive vital financial support quicker. The changes currently only apply to Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance, however, it is understood that they will also be applied to Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance in due course.
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Chloe Smith MP said: "Helping more people in the final year of their life get faster access to vital financial support is the right thing to do. I hope by extending this support it will alleviate the financial concerns of those nearing the end of their life and their families in the most challenging of times."
The changes also mean that anyone who has less than 12 months to live will not face sanctions on their benefits, which can see claimants' payments reduced.
Marie Curie chief executive, Matthew Reed said: "We are delighted to see this important change come into force today for Universal Credit and ESA claimants, following years of campaigning. This will help ensure more dying people can concentrate on making the most of the limited time they have left, rather than worrying about their finances."
CEO of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Sally Light said: "I am pleased that as of today long fought-for changes to the Special Rules for Terminal Illness will come into effect for Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit. We now hope that more people living with complex and unpredictable terminal illnesses like motor neurone disease will be able to access the support they need via those benefits swiftly and sensitively."
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