Department of Works & Pensions (DWP) new rules mean more people with advanced conditions can access financial help.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dwp-factual-medical-reports-guidance-for-healthcare-professionals/the-special-rules-how-the-benefit-system-supports-people-nearing-the-end-of-life
- The new ‘Special Rules for End of Life’ (SREL) apply to people who have 12 months or less to live.
- Clinicians such as a GP, hospital consultant, hospice doctor or registered nurse can provide medical evidence and complete the application.
- SPICT is top of the list of recommended tools to help clinicians assess people for SREL.
Scotland has a revised system already – Benefits Assessment under Special Rules in Scotland (BASRiS)
“An individual is to be regarded as having a terminal illness for the purpose of
determining entitlement to disability assistance if, having had regard to the (Chief
Medical Officer’s (CMO)) guidance, it is the clinical judgement of an appropriate
healthcare professional that the individual has a progressive disease that can
reasonably be expected to cause the individual’s death.”
- Scottish Government Guidance also lists clinical indicators and recommends use of SPICT.
https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/guidance-resources/guidance/chief-medical-officers-guidance-for-clinicians-completing-a-basris-form-for-terminal-illness