Social security for terminally ill decision welcomed by charities

Charities who support people with terminal conditions have welcomed a decision by the Scottish Government to award benefits based on doctor's judgements.

Current UK legislation for disability benefits and Universal Credit specifies that the definition of terminal illness is someone likely to die within six months, but today the Scottish Government confirmed it will amend its own social security bill to ensure that it will be entirely down to the clinical judgement of medical professionals to identify such people when it comes to accessing benefits.

Richard Meade, Marie Curie Head of Policy and Public Affairs Scotland said: “Marie Curie has 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. We look forward to working with Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer to support the development of the accompanying guidance.”

Craig Stockton, CEO of MND Scotland, said: “Together with Marie Curie we have always called for a clinical judgement to be made, when defining a terminal illness for Scotland’s social security system. We are thrilled that the Scottish Government and MSPs have taken action to ensure a fairer system is put in place for those with a terminal illness. 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. 

“I would like to thank everyone for their support on this issue and for making a real positive change in Scotland’s social security system. We will work closely with Marie Curie and the Chief Medical Officer to ensure the guidelines developed are fair and dignified for all those with a terminal illness.”

Social security minister Jeane Freeman said: “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. 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."