AQW 17695/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 21/04/2021
Answered On Date: 12/05/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities (i) for an update on the discussions she has had with the Department of Work and Pensions and the Treasury in relation to ending the six month rule for people with terminal illness; (ii) how far the proposals or criteria defining terminal illness have reached; and (iii) when she will update the public on progress.

Answer:

I recognise the devastating impact terminal illness has on individuals and their families and am committed to reforming provision in social security benefits for those who are terminally ill.

On 10 March 2021 I had a meeting with Justin Tomlinson MP (Department for Work and Pensions Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work), and pressed him to publish the outcome of the terminal illness evaluation work that commenced in July 2019.

My officials continue to undertake policy development and analytical work on proposals to reform the 6 months rule. Once this is completed and the necessary approvals secured, I will announce the way forward.