The change means those thought to be in their final year of life are able to receive financial support through ‘special rules’ six months earlier than they were previously.
The ‘special rules’ allow people nearing the end of life to:
- get faster, easier access to certain benefits
- get higher payments for certain benefits
- avoid a medical assessment
With effect from 3 April 2023, the definition of terminally ill for the purposes of PIP, DLA and AA is:
- someone is suffering from a progressive disease; and
- their death as a result of that disease can reasonably be expected within 12 months.
Those who are eligible are not required to attend a medical assessment, and in the majority of cases, they will receive the highest rate of PIP, DLA or AA.
These changes were put in place for universal credit and employment and support allowance in April 2022.
This same extension six to 12 months for PIP, DLA and AA was also introduced in Northern Ireland from April 2022.
Those who are eligible are not required to attend a medical assessment, and in the majority of cases, they will receive the highest rate of benefits.
For more information see Thousands of people in their final year of life to have their disability benefits fast-tracked available from gov.uk.