Financial support if you become terminally ill with a brain tumour
Is there a terminal illness benefit? It’s sometimes called ‘special rules for end of life’, and may give you extra money, faster payments, or other benefits. Here we’ll discuss financial support if you’re terminally ill.
Receiving the news that your condition is terminal can be very difficult and you may have concerns about the impact that this may have on your finances and the finances of your family.
There may be a number of financial benefits available to you, as well as other forms of support to help your family after you are gone.
On this page, we’ll discuss:
Terminal illness benefit: claiming benefits under special rules
Other forms of financial support following a brain tumour diagnosis
End of life financial planning
Expert advice and guidance on financial support
Speak to our experienced advisors for advice on the support you may be entitled to after receiving a terminal diagnosis.
Terminal illness benefit: Claiming benefits under special rules
If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, you may be able to ‘fast track’ your application for certain benefits. This is called claiming under special rules for end of life.
If you think you may be eligible to claim under special rules then speak to your doctor about this. If you are eligible they will be able to assist you with how to send a form called a ‘DS1500 report’ to the DWP when you apply for benefits.
Claiming under special rules will affect claims for benefits in the following ways:
-
You will be eligible to receive the enhanced rate of the daily living component of PIP, without the need to have a health assessment or waiting three months for the end of the PIP qualifying period. However, you will not automatically qualify for the mobility component of PIP. So, you must let the DWP know if you are having problems with mobility.
-
There is a fast tracked application process for those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. You will not have to fill in the full application form or answer the questions about personal tasks.
-
In April 2013, PIP replaced DLA for those aged 16-64. So, if you make a new application, it should be for PIP. If you are already receiving DLA, and have become terminally ill, this is considered as a change in circumstances. This means that you will need to make a new claim for PIP under specials rules.
-
You are able to claim ESA under special rules and have your application fast tracked if you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. You will be put into the Support Group receiving the higher rate and will not be required to take part in work-related activities.
-
Normally, Universal Credit payments are received six weeks after your application has been made. However if you apply under special rules then you will receive your first payment one week earlier, after five weeks. You will receive the higher rate and will not be required to take part in work-related activities.
Other forms of financial support following a terminal brain tumour diagnosis
If you suffer from ill health that is considered permanent and stops you from working, then you may be entitled to claim your pension early, depending on the conditions of your pension scheme.
Some life insurance policies and mortgage insurances will automatically include Terminal Illness Cover. Terminal Illness Insurance will pay out the insurance cover – usually if you have been diagnosed with a condition which means your life expectancy is believed to be less than 12 months.
If you have previously taken out Critical Illness Insurance, it will – depending on the cover – pay out a tax free lump sum or a regular income if you have been diagnosed with a one of a specific set of illnesses defined within the policy.
End of life financial planning
Following a terminal brain tumour diagnosis, you may need to consider a variety of matters. Like, who will care for your loved ones? Or, how do you leave something in your Will to them or a cause you care about?
-
Some employers will offer death in service benefit. This is a tax free lump sum that is paid out to a person nominated by you if you are employed by the company at the time of your death.
-
If you have a private pension, and pass away before accessing this, then you may be able to nominate with your pension provider who you wish to receive the money. However, under some pension schemes, payments may only be paid to those who depend on you financially, so make sure to check this with your provider.
Support and Information Services
Research & Clinical Trials Information
You can also join our active online community.
In this section
Get support
If you need someone to talk to or advice on where to get help, our Support and Information team is available by phone, email or live-chat.
Recommended reading
Share your experiences and help create change
By taking part in our Improving Brain Tumour Care surveys and sharing your experiences, you can help us improve treatment and care for everyone affected by a brain tumour.