Thousands more Brits to be fast-tracked for benefits including Universal Credit within WEEKS after major rule change

TERMINALLY ill benefit claimants are to be given access to state support faster from early April.

The government has confirmed that from April 4 2022, people diagnosed as in their final year of life can get benefits six months earlier than at present.

Previously, the department for work and pensions (DWP) only allowed fast track access to benefits if someone had six months or less to live.

The six month rule was described as cruel by charities.

In 2019, MPs described the definition of terminal illness – based on when a person’s death can be reasonably expected within six months – as “outdated, arbitrary and not based on clinical reality”.

The DWP said last year that the rules would change and confirmed today that a new 12 month rule will come in from April 4.

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This means thousands more people who’ve been diagnosed with 12 months to live will be fast-tracked onto certain benefits, rather than having to wait for a six month prognosis.

It will only apply to Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claims initially, so not everyone will be eligible straight away.

Those who are eligible will not be subject to a face-to-face assessment or waiting periods, and in the majority of cases they will receive the highest rate of benefits, the DWP said.

The fast track route will be extended to Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance as soon as parliamentary time allows, according to the government statement.

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Minister for Disabled People Chloe Smith said: “We want to ensure people in the final year of their lives get quicker access to vital financial support.

“We have listened to those with a terminal illness, as well as their families and friends, and we are delivering a change that will increase much-needed support in the most challenging of times.”

Charities welcomed the move.

Matthew Reed, chief executive of end of life charity Marie Curie, said: “This will ensure more dying people can concentrate on making the most of the limited time they have left rather than worrying about their finances.”