Marie Curie comment on incoming changes to benefit 'special rules'

The DWP has announced benefit changes will extend eligibility to end of life support from six to 12 months from 4 April - but only currently for Universal Credit and Employment Support Allowance claimants.  

Marie Curie Chief Exective, Matthew Reed, said: "After the announcement in the summer and following years of campaigning for this change to be put in place for dying people, we are pleased to see this next step come into place for Universal Credit and ESA claimants. 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. Marie Curie believes that everyone has the right to the best end of life care and support.

"There is more to be done – not least in ensuring other benefits including the Personal Independence Payment and Attendance Allowance come quickly in line, with those benefits impacted today - but this is important progress and we look forward to continuing to work with the Department for Work and Pensions to bring in these further changes as quickly as possible.

"Marie Curie will continue to play our part in making the case for people living with terminal illness to receive the financial support they need at the end of life and ensuring that terminally ill people and their health professionals know what they are entitled to."