The Government has changed the Special Rules process for Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance. DWP will now consider a claimant to be terminally ill if due to their health condition or disability they have a life expectancy of less than 12 months (the current definition is 6 months life expectancy).
People can now make a claim under Special Rules for Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance in the final 12 months of their life. Special Rules allow people who have less than 12 months to live to make a fast-tracked claim to benefits without needing to have a medical assessment. In most cases, they will also get the highest rate of benefit. For more guidance see: Special Rules for End of Life factsheet.
Similar changes are planned for Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance.
