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<p>We are committed to ensuring that terminally ill patients are treated with the
utmost sensitivity and care and receive the support they need to make a claim to Universal
Credit. This can include a home visit to support a claimant with making their initial
claim and completing any other administrative tasks required to ensure that they receive
the correct payment. As we continue to deliver the full Universal Credit service,
with its expanded claimant base, we are continuing to review and further develop the
customer journey for claimants with complex needs, including how we support terminally
ill claimants to engage in the process.</p><p> </p><p>We are aware of concerns raised
about the process of notifying DWP about a claimant’s terminal illness. However, we
do not need to change the consent rules in Universal Credit to support these claimants.
We can already accept information directly from claimant representatives, such as
claimant appointees and third party organisations representing the claimant as well
as details supplied to DWP Universal Credit partnership managers or external engagement
officials. However, we are also aware that there are instances where this is not happening
as intended in some limited circumstances and we are working to confirm that the guidance
and processes are in place to ensure that it does.</p><p> </p><p>The Department and
the Universal Credit Programme have regular meetings with key stakeholders, including
MacMillan, Maggie’s Centres and Mind, 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 proof of illness requirements. We continue to keep
these under review to ensure that they work as effectively as possible.</p>
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