A significant number of people facing the final year of life are missing out on financial support worth up to £9,724. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, 34% of individuals who died with a chronic illness did not claim the disability benefits available to them under the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Special Rules for End of Life.
These Special Rules are designed to make it easier for those with a prognosis of less than 12 months to access benefits quickly and without means testing. This means eligibility depends on disability and personal circumstances, not income or savings. Benefits under these rules can provide payments up to £187 per week, helping to alleviate financial pressures during an already challenging time.
Dr. Joanna Davies, a research fellow at the Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation at King’s College London, emphasized the importance of these benefits. She said, “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.”
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To qualify, a person must have a medical prognosis indicating they are likely to have less than 12 months to live. A fast-tracked claim can be made using an SR1 form, which requires medical certification from a healthcare professional confirming the prognosis.
Healthcare providers are encouraged to complete the SR1 form promptly if they assess that a patient has a progressive illness with a life expectancy under a year. There are no penalties if a patient lives longer than expected after claiming under the Special Rules.
Despite the clear financial benefits and straightforward application process, many who qualify are not receiving the support they deserve, highlighting a need for greater awareness among patients and healthcare professionals alike.