Big change for benefits announced in Queen’s Speech – how it affects you

THOUSANDS of people who face a terminal illness diagnosis each year have been promised faster access to benefits.

In the Queen's Speech today, the government said it will make getting the vital cash easier under new laws planned for this year.

Prince Charles today delivered the speech for the first time in the Queen's absence, with Prince William also present.

It is the first time the Queen has not read the speech in 59 years.

The Queen's Speech signals the official opening of Parliament and is where the government lays down is plans for the year ahead.

It has set out plans to extend the energy price cap limiting bill rises beyond 2023 in a bid to help with the cost of living crisis.

And renters will be protected under proposals to ban "no-fault" evictions.

Also revealed in the announcement are plans to reduce the wait for crucial benefits for the terminally ill.

People diagnosed with a terminal illness will be fast-tracked for certain benefits if they are considered to have less than 12 months to live - currently its six months for some benefits.

The new 12-month rule has already been introduced for two benefits from April 4 this year: Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Now that's set to be extended to further help: Personal Independence Payment, Disability  Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance.

Cancer charity Marie Curie welcomed the move, saying "after years of campaigning, dying people will be entitled to the vital benefits they need more quickly".

Mark Jackson, its policy and public affairs manager, said: "Terminally ill people claiming Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance are already entitled to fast-track access to those benefits if their doctor believes they have less than a year to live.

"Those claiming Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance, however, must still wait until they have fewer than six months to live.

"This delay leaves many dying people facing long delays for financial support and worrying about their finances when they should be making the most of the time they have left with their loved ones.

"The Bill will end this two-tier system. Terminally ill people and their families will want to see it enacted as soon as possible."

The changes follow a review, announced in 2019, after MPs said the previous definition of terminal illness as when a person's death can be reasonably expected within six months was "outdated, arbitrary and not based on clinical reality".

There is no date set for the new 12-month rule to take effect for these new benefits and it will still have to be passed into law.

Applications for PIP, which is for those with disabilities and ongoing ill health are currently facing huge delays.

Those making new claims, and seeking a renewal of their claim have faces months-long waits for the cash.

PIP is worth between £24.45 to £154.25 a week, with claims also giving access to other means-tested benefits, depending on circumstances.

The average wait is five months, according to the latest official figures.