Accelerated access to services for people with terminal illnesses will be doubled from six months to one year.
The changes will come into effect in April 2022.
Currently, patients must prove they have less than six months to live in order to access an accelerated universal credit program and employment and assistance grants.
According to reports from the BBC in June 2021, the government promised to tackle the problem.
The new rules mean those in their last year of life can receive support after receiving a prognosis from a clinician that they are unlikely to live longer than a year.
In addition, they are not subjected to a personal examination.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) understands this will affect thousands of people in England.
Helen Nicell, who has stage four cancer, told the BBC her payment was initially reduced when she switched from disability allowance to PIP because a doctor couldn’t say she was likely to die within six months.
The move was welcomed by activists, but they also encouraged the government to go further.
Marie Curie’s Mark Jackson said: “This is important progress and we look forward to working with the Department for Works and Pensions to make further changes as soon as possible.”
Sally Light, CEO of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, also welcomed the announcement.
“This change will allow more people with complex and unpredictable end-stage diseases like motor neuron disease to quickly and sensitively access the support they need without the need for an in-person assessment.”
Chloe Smith, Secretary of State for Disabilities, said: “We have listened to people with a terminal illness and we are making a change that will amplify much-needed support at the most difficult of times.”
Add Comment