End of life benefits: Financial support for terminally ill 2025

Approaching the end of your life is an intensely difficult time and one of the many things on your mind may be money. If you can no longer work due to your illness, or have previously received benefits, there is support in place to help.

The government has ‘Special Rules’ for people who are in the last few months of their lives. These rules enable people to be fast-tracked to getting Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and they usually get the full amount.

In April 2022, the length of time that Special Rules are enforced was doubled. This means that people who are terminally ill can benefit from them if they have a year or less to live – previously this was six months or less.

As of May 2022, the Special Rules for End of Life were extended to include Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance.

What end of life benefits can I receive under ‘Special Rules’?

Under the ‘Special Rules’, you can get faster access to Universal Credit or ESA payments and most people will get the highest rate available.

Universal Credit: Special Rules for end of life benefits

Universal Credit helps with living costs.

You may be eligible if you:

• Are aged between 18 and State Pension Age (16- and 17-year-olds with a health condition or disability can also apply)
• Have less than £16,000 in savings and investments
• Do not live with your partner OR you live with your partner and they also qualify for Universal Credit. In this case, you must make a joint claim.

There is an extra amount if you are unable to work due to illness, which you will likely be eligible for if you are terminally ill.

Your circumstances	Monthly amount
You’re single and under 25	£316.98
You live with your partner and are under 25	£497.55 between you both
You’re single and over 25	£400.14
You live with your partner and are over 25	£628.10 between you both
Extra amount if you cannot work due to illness	£423.27

Therefore, the maximum amount (if you live with your partner who also qualifies and you are over 25) is £1051.37 a month.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

ESA is for people who cannot work due to a disability or ongoing illness.

You could be eligible if you:

• Have a health condition or disability that means you can’t work
• Are under State Pension Age
• Have worked and paid enough National Insurance in the last 2-3 years

Usually people have an assessment rate while their claim is being assessed. If you are terminally ill, you will likely be fast-tracked through this and given the maximum amount.

There are two rates for ESA, which you get depends on whether you will be able to go back to work. If you are terminally ill, you will be put in the support group. The rate for this is up to £140.55 per week.

Attendance Allowance

If you need care or supervision due to your illness or disability, you may be able to receive Attendance Allowance.

You could be eligible if:

• You have a physical, mental or learning disability
• Your disability means you need care or supervision from someone else

If you meet these and are terminally ill, you’ll get £110.40 per week.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

PIP helps people with long-term health conditions or disabilities to be independent. It can go towards getting the support you need, such as hiring a Personal Assistant.

You may be eligible if you:

• Have a long-term health condition or disability
• Need support due to your condition
• Are over 16 and under State Pension Age

PIP is made up of two parts:

• Daily living part: £73.90 – 110.40 per week
• Mobility part: £29.20 – £77.05 per week

You can receive one or both parts of PIP.

Disabilty Living Allowance (DLA)

DLA for adults has mostly been replaced by PIP. DLA for children is still open to new claimants.

What other benefits can I receive for end of life?

Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)

In 2022, the Adult Disability Payment replaced PIP in Scotland.

The eligibility criteria and payment amounts are the same as PIP.

Disability Living Allowance for children

DLA for children offers the same as PIP, but is for people under 16 who have similar needs. Find out more here.

Carer’s Allowance

If someone spends at least 35 hours a week providing care or support, they may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance.

This offers £83.30 per week.