Marie Curie reaction to Queen's Speech 2022

Marie Curie Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Mark Jackson, said: "Marie Curie welcomes the announcement of the Social Security (Special Rules for End of Life) Bill in today's Queen's Speech in response to our #Scrap6Months  campaign. It must now ensure that it acts to introduce this Bill early in the new Parliamentary session so, after years of campaigning, dying people will be entitled to the vital benefits they need more quickly.

"Terminally ill people claiming Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance are already entitled to fast-track access to those benefits if their doctor believes they have less than a year to live. Those claiming Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance, however, must still wait until they have fewer than six months to live. This delay leaves many dying people facing long delays for financial support and worrying about their finances when they should be making the most of the time they have left with their loved ones.

"The Bill will end this two-tier system. Terminally ill people and their families will want to see it enacted as soon as possible. We look forward to working with the UK Government to make sure people living with terminal illness receive the financial support they need at the end of life, and ensuring that terminally ill people and their health and social care professionals know what they are entitled to."