A coalition of over 30 leading charities is pressing the UK government to eliminate distressing benefit reassessments for individuals suffering from terminal or life-limiting illnesses. In a letter addressed to disability minister Sir Stephen Timms, these organisations argue for the introduction of permanent “lifetime awards” for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This plea comes amid a review of the health and disability benefit system, which has been under scrutiny following concerns over proposed cuts and reform.
Charities Unite for Change
The initiative was spearheaded by Marie Curie, an end-of-life charity dedicated to supporting those with terminal conditions. The letter highlights the urgent need for reform, emphasising that the current system is deeply flawed and contributes to unnecessary distress for those at the end of their lives. The signatories, which include prominent organisations such as Amnesty International and Age UK, assert that claimants should not be subjected to the anxiety of repeated assessments when they are already grappling with severe health challenges.
Currently, the system allows for special provisions for PIP applicants diagnosed with terminal illnesses, enabling them to receive a higher payment for the remainder of their life—provided they are expected to live for less than a year. However, this policy has notable limitations. For instance, individuals who live beyond three years may be subjected to reassessment, even if their conditions are progressive and life-limiting.
Evidence of Distress
Recent data reveals troubling statistics regarding the awarding of PIP to those with serious conditions. Between February 2025 and 2026, a significant proportion of claimants with progressive illnesses—38% for Parkinson’s disease, 16% for dementia, and 9% for motor neurone disease—were issued fixed-term awards, despite the nature of their conditions. Alarmingly, only 2% of these awards were revised following reassessment, indicating a system that is both costly and ineffective. Each reassessment costs the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) approximately £282, raising questions about the efficiency and necessity of such a process.
Becca Stacey, Marie Curie’s senior policy manager for financial security, articulated the frustrations of many claimants: “Too many people living with terminal illness are being forced to prove just how unwell they are, which is simply wrong. These reassessments rarely change the outcome, but they cause real distress and uncertainty at a time when people should be focused on comfort and care.”
Government Response
In response to the mounting pressure for change, a DWP spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to reforming the welfare system to better cater to the needs of disabled individuals. They noted ongoing collaboration with stakeholders as part of the Timms Review, which has been tasked with evaluating the fairness and suitability of PIP going forward. The DWP also highlighted plans to introduce new legislation aimed at reducing the frequency of reviews for many existing PIP recipients.
Yet, criticisms remain regarding the efficacy of these reforms. One individual with severe emphysema shared their experience: “PIP stopped my allowance for 10 months, saying I wasn’t as bad as I was claiming. Why aren’t chronic illnesses exempt from these extremely stressful and nerve-wracking interviews? I am going to die from emphysema; it doesn’t magically get better—only worse.”
Why it Matters
The call to abolish reassessments for those with terminal illnesses is more than just a plea for policy change; it represents a fundamental shift towards treating individuals with dignity and compassion in their final days. For many, these benefits are not merely financial support but a lifeline that allows them to focus on what truly matters—time with loved ones and the comfort of care. As the government reviews the current welfare system, the voices of those affected must be heard and prioritised, paving the way for a more humane approach to disability benefits in the UK.
