Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many universal credit claimants using the standard application route have been rejected and subsequently applied under the special rules for terminal illness route.

The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

The Department takes seriously the need to support vulnerable claimants. We are committed to supporting those with health conditions, and ensuring that terminally ill patients are treated with the utmost sensitivity and care, when making a claim to Universal Credit.

Universal Credit provides enhanced personalised support for all claimants, including those with a terminal illness. We are continuously reviewing and improving the service for vulnerable people who claim Universal Credit to ensure that it is accessible and responsive to their needs. This includes how they are identified and supported, either from our own staff or via referrals from local services.