Shocking one in three missing out on vital cash in final year

It's a heartbreaking reality that many people facing the end of their lives are also grappling with financial worries. New research from King's College London has revealed that a staggering one in three people with chronic illnesses are missing out on crucial benefits during their final year.

This means thousands of families across the UK could be struggling without the financial support they are entitled to. The benefits in question are non-means tested disability benefits available under the 'Special Rules for End of Life'.

These payments, worth between £110 and £187 each week, could make a significant difference to households already under immense pressure. The research suggests that the shortfall isn't always because people don't need the money.

Dr Joanna Davies, a Research Fellow at King's College London, highlighted the issue. "Having a terminal illness puts pressure on household finances – benefits go some way to alleviate that – but one in three people are missing out on the non-means tested support available to them," she said.

The study found that in the most deprived areas, 34% of people did not claim the benefits they were entitled to, even after accounting for other factors. This points to a wider problem of awareness and access.

Healthcare professionals play a key role by completing an SR1 form to grant access to these benefits. Dr Davies praised their efforts but stressed the need for greater awareness.

"We need to raise awareness of this support and think about how the completion of SR1 forms could be incorporated into existing processes," she explained.

There's also a concern that some healthcare professionals might worry about patients living longer than expected if they claim these benefits. However, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has clarified that there are no negative consequences for clinicians or patients in such cases.

"The DWP are clear that ‘There are no negative consequences for the clinician or patient if a patient who claims under the Special Rules lives longer than expected’," Dr Davies added.

The research also found a lack of proactive work from local authorities and community groups to help people claim these benefits. This is despite reports, like Marie Curie's 'Dying in Poverty' report, which revealed over 280 people die in poverty every day in the UK.

Dr Sam Royston, Executive Director of Research and Policy at Marie Curie, emphasised the importance of the benefits system. "A key step in addressing poverty at the end of life is to ensure the benefits system provides adequate protection to everyone who needs it," he stated.

He urged anyone navigating the end of life benefits system to seek support. "Every dying person should be able to access the benefits they need, so they can spend their limited time focusing on what really matters: making memories with friends and family," Dr Royston said.

The full report is expected to be released in April.

Big Picture Context:

In the UK, the cost of living crisis continues to impact households, with many struggling to make ends meet. Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that in January 2024, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 4.0% over the 12 months to January. This persistent inflation means that the value of benefits, even when claimed, may not fully cover essential living costs for many vulnerable individuals. The findings from King's College London highlight a critical gap in support for those at the end of their lives, exacerbating the financial pressures already faced by many families.

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OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION:

This report is based on official data from University Newsroom.

Document: One in three people are missing out on benefits during the last year of their lives | King's College London

Source Link: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/one-in-three-people-are-missing-out-on-benefits-during-the-last-year-of-their-lives