Financial support if you become terminally ill with a brain tumour

You will be eligible to receive the enhanced rate of the daily living component of PIP, without the need to have a health assessment or waiting three months for the end of the PIP qualifying period. However, you will not automatically qualify for the mobility component of PIP, therefore you must let the DWP know if you are having problems with mobility so that you can claim this component too.

There is a similar fast tracked application process for those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, who are over pension age (66 at the time of writing but due to increase to 67 between 2026 to 2028). You will not have to fill in the full application form or answer the questions about personal tasks and do not have to wait the 6 month qualifying period.  You will automatically get the higher rate of Attendance Allowance.

In April 2013, PIP replaced DLA for working aged claimants (currently 16-66). If you are still receiving DLA, and have become terminally ill, this is considered as a change in circumstances. This means that you will need to make a new claim for PIP under specials rules (see above).

Children under the age of 16 can claim DLA and, if appropriate, under the fast track special rules outlined above. They will automatically  receive the highest rate of the care component and do not have to wait 3 months for the end of the qualifying period.  They will not automatically get the Mobility component so ask for this to be considered if appropriate.

You are able to claim ESA under special rules and have your application fast tracked if you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. You will not have to wait for an assessment – you will automatically be put into the Support Group receiving the higher rate and will not be required to take part in work-related activities at the Job Centre.

You might be able to claim Universal Credit as someone with Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activity (LCW/LCWRA).  By providing your SR1, you will be treated as having LCW/LCWRA.  You will not be required to undertake any assessment and more money will be included in your calculation of Universal Credit from the date you claim or the date you provide your SR1.  There is no waiting time.

Bear in mind, this is a means tested benefit, however, so your claim will only be successful if you meet all the other requirements, including how much money is already coming into the household and how much you have in savings.

Some employers will offer a death in service payment. This is a tax free lump sum that is paid out to a person nominated by you if you are employed by the company at the time of your death.

It is also common for death in service payments to include a survivor’s payment, usually paid to your spouse, cohabiting partner or civil partner. 

Ask your employer about this as schemes vary between employers and not every employer will offer this.

If you have a private pension, and pass away before accessing this, then you should be able to nominate to your pension provider who you wish to receive the money. You should check the terms of your pension with the pension provider.  Sometimes, the lump sum is paid to your estate.