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<p>The Department and the Universal Credit Programme have regular meetings with key
stakeholders to understand how our policies are working and discuss potential areas
for improvement. The design of Universal Credit for terminally ill claimants is based
on the well tested processes that have been in place in Employment and Support Allowance,
as have the documentation of illness requirements. We will continue to keep these
under review to ensure that they work as effectively as possible.</p><p> </p><p>If
the claimant does not have a DS1500 but is deemed as terminally ill then we will fast
track the Work Capability Assessment process so that the report is provided within
48 hours.</p><p> </p><p>If a claimant has been diagnosed as terminally ill with a
prognosis of 6 months or less and been provided with a DS1500 or one has already been
provided, Universal Credit will automatically award the Limited Capability for Work
and Work Related Activity element without the requirement to refer this for a Work
Capability Assessment decision.</p><p> </p><p>All claimants are able to apply for
an advance of their Universal Credit to ensure they do not face financial hardship
whilst they are awaiting the assessment of their Universal Credit award.</p>
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