Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department has made an assessment of financial insecurity of people at the end of life.

The UK Government is committed to providing a financial safety net for those who need it. Support is available through the welfare system to those who are unable to work, are on a low income or have additional costs as a consequence of a long-term health condition or disability but are not eligible for pensioner benefits because of their age.

For those nearing the end of their life, the UK Government’s priority is to provide financial support quickly and compassionately. The main way this is applied is through the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL) which enables people who are nearing the end of their lives to get faster, easier access to Universal Credit (UC) and New Style Employment and Support Allowance. The Universal Credit Act 2025, also ensures that all SREL claimants will receive the higher UC Health rate, no matter when they make their claim.

Disability Benefits are devolved in Scotland and policy responsibility sits with the Scottish Government.