Marie Curie Northern Ireland respond to Government announcement on benefits review for terminally ill

Marie Curie Northern Ireland responds to the announcement that the Department for Work and Pensions is to set up an evaluation of how the benefits system supports people with terminal illnesses.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Joan McEwan, Head of Policy and Public Affairs for Marie Curie Northern Ireland, said:

“Marie Curie welcomes the announcement of this review. We have argued repeatedly that the six-month rule is unfit for purpose and causes real harm to terminally ill welfare claimants in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

“In the absence of a Stormont Executive to deliver change locally, it is important that DWP’s evaluation examines the impact of the system on terminally ill welfare claimants in Northern Ireland. We look forward to contributing to the review and making the case for a fairer and more compassionate benefits system for all terminally ill people.”