Terminal Illness
If you are terminally ill the benefit rules are, in some cases, relaxed. It is recognised that there may not be time to qualify for certain benefits and it can be distressing to make applications under such circumstances.
For Disability Living Allowance you can claim under the "special rules" if you are terminally ill. This means that you do not have to complete all the sections of the form. But you must ask your doctor to complete the form DS1500 which should be sent to the Benefits Agency with the application form. Your application form will be fast-tracked if special rules apply. It is acceptable for someone other than the person who is ill to make the application.
If you are already getting Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance you just write to the DWP for your award to be superseded. Under the special rules there is no qualifying period for Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance and you automatically qualify for the higher rates.
For Incapacity Benefit, you will, under the special rules, be exempt from personal capability assessment and you will be eligible for the long-term rate after 28 weeks rather than 52 weeks.
Making a Will
It is sensible for everyone to make a will, irrespective of their state of health. Settling financial affairs after death can be very difficult for families if a will has not been made.
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