PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Social Security Benefits: Terminal Illnesses (15 October 2021)

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the number of DWP assessors (a) challenging or (b) overturning clinical judgements made by medical professionals about a claimant's terminal illness.

Asked by:
Jonathan Reynolds (Labour)

The DWP currently provides a balanced and compassionate approach to supporting those approaching the end of their lives. The approach is based on clinical judgement and evidence provided by a relevant clinician like GPs or Specialist Nurses.

A claim made under the Special Rules for Terminal Illness is in most cases supported by evidence from the claimant’s clinician submitted in a DS1500 form. These contain information relating to diagnosis, clinical features and past or current treatment. While they have never been a requirement for a claim under the terminal illness rules, they remain the quickest and most appropriate route to gather evidence to support entitlement in these cases.

Providers use healthcare professionals to provide advice to DWP decision makers about benefit entitlement. They may contact clinicians to obtain clinical information if either a claim has been made under the SRTI but no DS1500 has been provided or for clarification of information provided in the DS1500. The provider healthcare professional will review all available evidence before making a recommendation to DWP decision makers about eligibility.

Answered by:
Chloe Smith (Conservative)
10 November 2021