Those deemed to be unable to recover by doctors will not have to undergo re-assessment under Scotland's new social security system
Charities have scored a major victory in a campaign to fast-track people with terminal illness to the highest level of benefits.
The Scottish Government has announced people will be entitled to maximum social security cash if a doctor deems they will die from their condition – no matter how much time they have left.
Under the current Universal Credit system, a claimant is not deemed to be suffering from a terminal illness unless medics say they have six months or less to live.
Only then can they get the highest rate of benefit.
The Scottish Government had proposed extending this period to two years under the new social security system.
However no limit will be set after pressure from health charities, meaning people will be entitled to the maximum on a doctor's say-so – no matter how long their terminal ilness is projected to play-out.
The system will rely on the advice of medical professionals, who will be asked to use their own judgement to decide whether an illness is terminal. Those who are deemed to be unable to recover will be automatically fast-tracked to the highest rate of disability benefits, and will not have to undergo re-assessments.
Marie Curie and MND Scotland led a campaign highlighting the need for the terminally ill to be treated fairly and with dignity in the new system.
Richard Meade, Marie Curie’s head of policy for Scotland, said: “We have always said that we would like to see a definition of terminal illness based purely on clinical judgment. We are delighted that the minister has listened to ours and other’s concerns and made this possible. We also want to thank all the opposition MSPs who have continued to make the case for a fairer definition of terminal illness.
“Scotland has a unique opportunity to make a social security system with dignity and fairness at its heart, and this newly agreed definition will be a realisation of that for terminally ill people in Scotland.”
Craig Stockton, chief executive of MND Scotland, said: “When the bill comes into effect it will make a real difference to people affected by MND in Scotland allowing them to be fast tracked for benefits and removing some of the worry and distress that they currently face.”
Social security minister Jeane Freeman said preparing legislation which supports the terminally ill had been challenging.
“Working through the best approach to terminal illness for our new social security system in Scotland has been the most challenging aspect of this legislation,” she said.
“It is both sensitive and difficult because a diagnosis of terminal illness brings with it a significant impact on the individual and their family and implications for the care and management of their condition.”
