In one of his first major legislative acts as monarch, King Charles III granted royal assent to the Social Security (Special Rules for End of Life) Bill.
This means that people who are thought to be in the final year of their life will be able to receive fast-tracked access to certain benefits, six months earlier than they were able to previously.
This will apply to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA).
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, said it’s important that people in the last year of their life are treated with dignity and receive the financial support they need and deserve quickly.
“Extending this support confirms our commitment to alleviating the pressures faced by those who are nearing the end of their lives, and their families,” he said.
The Special Rules changes to PIP, DLA and AA will come into effect as soon as practical and follow the same changes made to Universal Credit (UC) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) earlier this year.
Those who are eligible will not be required to attend a medical assessment, and in most cases, they will receive the highest rate of benefits.
