Debate contribution: State Pension Access: Terminally Ill People

Debate contribution by Mr Gordon Lyons on 31 March 2025.

MLA

Mr Gordon Lyons

Party at the time

Democratic Unionist Party

Date

31 March 2025

Type

Debate contribution (made as a minister)

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

State Pension Access: Terminally Ill People

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4872125

Read the official Assembly record

Text

Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. I welcome the opportunity to respond to today's motion. I have listened intently as colleagues have set out the key issues and challenges faced by those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. I am sure that we are all familiar with those challenges. I thank everyone who contributed for the tone of the debate. It is an issue that touches so many lives. Like my colleagues here today, I am committed to standing with those facing a terminal illness. A terminal illness diagnosis should not be compounded by financial hardship, and we must ensure that those facing their most difficult moments receive the dignity and support that they deserve. I assure Members that I recognise the challenges faced by individuals who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and the increased need for financial security at that time. Therefore, I take the opportunity to highlight to Members some of the mechanisms that are in place in my Department so that we can do what we can to help provide financial support to those who need it most. My Department supports people nearing the end of life through special benefit rules. Those enable people to get faster, easier access to certain benefits without needing to attend a medical assessment or serve waiting periods, and, it most cases, it enables them to receive the highest rate of benefit. The special rules for end of life apply to three key working-age benefits that support people with health conditions or disabilities: personal independence payment, universal credit (UC) and employment and support allowance (ESA) The special rules apply to people who have been diagnosed as having 12 months or less to live. That approach ensures that clinicians have discretion but are supported by a realistic and straightforward definition that is consistent with current NHS practice. The 12-month eligibility criteria broaden access to benefits, and, under the special rules, all eligible benefit claims are paid as fast as possible. Entitlements to those benefits can, in turn, lead to further support, some of which includes assistance with housing costs or mortgage interest, access to discretionary support, help with healthcare and travel costs, cold weather support and access to the blue badge parking and mobility schemes. I am also aware that there can be a financial impact on family members and carers when there has been a terminal illness diagnosis. Therefore, I remind Members of the additional support available to assist those who provide the much-needed care for their loved ones. Carer's allowance, ESA care premium, UC care credit, carer's credit and, if the time comes when they are needed, bereavement support payments and funeral expense payments are there to assist with the financial burdens incurred by family members. It is important to highlight the role that the Make the Call service can play when supporting anyone who is in need of financial assistance. Through that service, which is available only in Northern Ireland, assessors from my Department will carry out a needs assessment that is based on individual personal circumstances, look at which benefits, supports and services may be available and signpost how to claim. Last year, Make the Call helped almost 11,000 people to get an additional £50 million in benefits and supports, with an average additional £88 a week. Whilst I take pride in standing here today to champion the work that the Department undertakes to support those most in need, I recognise that it is important that we continue to explore what more can be done for the most vulnerable individuals. Therefore, I will give a commitment to engage with the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of those diagnosed with a terminal illness in order to encourage the introduction of additional measures, such as those outlined today, to ensure that we have financial security and dignity for people in their final months. Finally, I assure Members that I will continue to advocate greater support and a system that truly meets the needs of those who are most vulnerable.

675 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not qualifying

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 12:16 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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