The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that no medical assessments are required for four specific benefits under certain circumstances, specifically for individuals who are nearing the end of life or have a terminal diagnosis.
Benefits Exempt from Medical Assessments
The four benefits that can be accessed without a medical assessment under the Special Rules for End of Life are:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Attendance Allowance
Under these rules, eligible individuals can receive faster and easier access to these benefits without needing to attend a medical assessment, serve waiting periods, and in most cases, receive the highest rate of benefit.
Background
The clarification came after Martin Wrigley, the Liberal Democrat MP for Newton Abbot, asked in the Commons whether the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions would assess the potential merits of enabling people below retirement age with a terminal diagnosis to claim their pension earlier.
In response, Torsten Bell, the Labour MP for Swansea, stated: "The Department meets regularly with key stakeholders to understand the needs of people living with a terminal illness." He added: "Whilst it is the case that nobody can claim their State Pension before State Pension age, support is available through the Special Rules for End of Life."
How the Rules Work
The Special Rules for End of Life enable people nearing the end of their lives to get faster, easier access to PIP, ESA, UC, and Attendance Allowance. This means they do not need to attend a medical assessment, serve waiting periods, and in most cases, they receive the highest rate of benefit.
Normally, some benefits require a health assessment under DWP rules. For example, Universal Credit requires a Work Capability Assessment, as does Employment and Support Allowance. Personal Independence Payment may require an assessment if the assessor needs more information, and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit also typically involves an assessment.
These health assessments are usually carried out by a provider on behalf of the DWP, although for some people, the assessment might be carried out directly by the DWP.
