Thousands of Terminally Ill People Missing Out on Vital £9,724 DWP Support
Shocking new statistics reveal that one in three people are missing out on up to £9,724 in free cash during the final year of their lives. According to the Office for National Statistics, 34 per cent of individuals who died from chronic illnesses did not claim the disability benefits they were entitled to under the Special Rules for End of Life.
What Are the Special Rules for End of Life?
The Special Rules, administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), allow people nearing the end of life to access certain benefits more quickly and easily. These benefits provide higher payments and exempt claimants from medical assessments. Crucially, they are not means-tested, meaning eligibility depends solely on disability and circumstances, not income or savings.
An adult or child is considered to be nearing the end of life when they are likely to have less than 12 months to live. The support available under these rules can be worth up to £187 per week, or £9,724 annually. Despite this significant financial assistance, thousands are failing to claim what they are entitled to.
Expert Urges Action on Missed Benefits
Dr Joanna Davies, a research fellow from the Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation at King’s College London, has issued a urgent call to action. “Having a terminal illness puts pressure on household finances – benefits go some way to alleviate that – but one in three people are missing out on the non-means tested support available to them,” she stated.
Dr Davies emphasized that these benefits are designed to provide crucial financial relief during an incredibly difficult time, yet awareness and uptake remain insufficient.
Benefits Available Under the Special Rules
If a person is likely to have less than 12 months to live, they can make a fast-tracked claim to the following benefits, provided they meet eligibility criteria:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children
- Attendance Allowance (AA)
How to Claim Under the Special Rules
To support a benefit claim made under the Special Rules, claimants may be asked to provide medical evidence using an SR1 form. Clinicians are advised to complete this form promptly if they have a patient with a progressive disease where they would not be surprised if the patient were to live for less than 12 months.
Importantly, there are no negative consequences for the clinician or patient if a patient who claims under the Special Rules lives longer than expected. This safeguard is intended to encourage timely applications without fear of repercussions.
The DWP's Special Rules for End of Life represent a vital lifeline for those facing terminal illness, offering substantial financial support that is not dependent on income or savings. With thousands currently missing out, increased awareness and prompt action are essential to ensure eligible individuals receive the assistance they deserve during their final months.
