Two Cities MP, Nickie Aiken, was pleased to support the Pensions (Special Rules for End of Life) Bill during its Third Reading.
The Bill aims to extend eligibility for receiving terminal illness payments from the Pension Protection Fund and Financial Assistance Scheme. It amends the definition of terminal illness used by both organisations to include people with a life expectancy of up to twelve months – instead of six months.
Nickie welcomed the Bill as it seeks to provide the same opportunity for financial security for those with a terminal illness, therefore, offering a more dignified end-of-life experience.
During the debate, Nickie made the case to encourage pension providers that do not currently have provision for serious ill health payments for those with a life expectancy of 12 months or less to consider putting it in place.
Nickie is confident that this Bill is essential and will have a wider positive impact.
Any one of us can be diagnosed with a terminal illness, and it is important that there are provisions in place to offer financial assistance.
