Social Security Benefits: Terminal Illnesses

(asked on 7th February 2022) - View Source

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether all claimants for whom a DS1500 form has been submitted now have their claims fast-tracked; and if she will make a statement.


Answered by
Chloe Smith Portrait
Chloe Smith
This question was answered on 10th February 2022

The Special Rules recognise that when people are faced with the end of their life, their focus should, as far as possible, be on the time they have remaining. Through the Special Rules, the Department provides simple and fast access to benefits for those nearing the end of their lives so they do not have to claim under the normal processes.

DS1500 forms have never been a requirement for a claim under the terminal illness rules but remain the quickest and most appropriate route to gather evidence to support entitlement in these cases. Where it is not possible to supply a DS1500 in support of a terminal illness claim, the Department considers alternative evidence and works flexibly and quickly with the claimant or their clinician to make a speedy determination.

People with severe health conditions unable to claim under the Special Rules, will continue to be able to receive support from the benefits system through Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance.

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