Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Special Rules for Terminal Illness

Monday 17 May 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to delivering an improved benefits system for terminally ill claimants.
  • Department is working across Government to bring forward proposals following evaluation.
  • Minister offered to look into a specific case highlighted by Emma Hardy.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question pertains to the government's review of special rules applicable to terminal illnesses.

Question

When she plans to publish her Department's review of the special rules for terminal illness.

Answer from Justin Tomlinson

The Department is committed to delivering an improved benefits system for claimants who are nearing the end of their lives, and is working across Government to bring forward proposals following the evaluation. I remain committed to implementing the key areas identified as soon as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific timeline or date for publishing the review was not provided.

How: Under Review, Working Across Government

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Q2 Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Benefits & Welfare
Context

A constituent with incurable mantle cell lymphoma has been refused personal independence payment due to not meeting the terminal illness definition. She is one year off her state pension and cannot claim means-tested benefits due to owning property.

Question

I have a constituent with incurable mantle cell lymphoma who does not meet the definition of terminal illness. She has been refused the personal independence payment, she is one year off her state pension, and because she owns a property that her disabled son lives in, she cannot claim means-tested benefits. She is in a dire financial situation. How much longer will she have to wait for the rules on terminal illness to be changed?

Answer from Justin Tomlinson

I thank the hon. Member for highlighting this. I do not know all the details, but if she is willing to share them, I would be very happy to look into that specific case. It highlights why we have carried out this vital evaluation, supported by stakeholders. The key three principles of improving awareness, consistency and scrapping the six-month rule remain a priority for our Department.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The exact timeline or specifics on when rules will change were not given.

How: Under Review, Remain Committed

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