Nobody should die in poverty

It shouldn’t be harder to make ends meet at the end of your life. But many people are pushed into poverty when they’re diagnosed with a terminal illness.

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Every hour, ten people die in poverty in the UK.

The rising cost of living will only make things worse for dying people and their loved ones. We need urgent government action.

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petition at Number 10

Together, we're making this an issue that can't be ignored

Over 166,000 people signed our petition calling for urgent government action and thousands have written to their MPs demanding change.

Give dying people their State Pension

Working age people are almost twice as likely to fall into poverty if they're diagnosed with a terminal illness than people claiming their State Pension. Forced to quit work just as their expenses skyrocket, more than one in four will spend their final days in poverty.

Pensions are meant to be there for us at the end of our lives. But if you're unfortunate enough to die before 65, you miss out – even if you've paid into the system your whole life.

Before I had a full-time job, a company car and a decent salary. But I got made redundant – I didn't think they were allowed to do that, with me being terminally ill. If I had the energy I would fight it in court.'

Victor Calver, who has experienced homelessness since being diagnosed with prostate cancer

Protect dying people from soaring energy bills

People living with a terminal illness are having to make the impossible choice between powering vital medical equipment, heating their home, or buying food.

Their energy bills can be thousands of pounds higher than the average household. But most don't get any extra help.

Help us take action to make energy bills affordable for people at the end of life. 

If Simon gets too cold he stiffens up and can't use his hands. He's in debt now because of rising energy prices. I've brought him some reflective blankets like the ones you get inside cool boxes to try to keep him warm. It's like going back to the dark ages, really.

Mattina Payne, who cares for Simon Caldin as he has a rare illness called Krabbe disease

Support dying parents and their children

Working age parents are more at risk than anyone of falling into poverty when they're diagnosed with a terminal illness. But free childcare schemes are only available to people in work or on certain benefits. A parent in poverty often means an entire family in poverty – including children.

Families affected by terminal illness should be making the most of their final moments together, not worrying about money. Childcare support schemes must be made available to all terminally ill parents.

My partner has had to reduce his work hours to look after me and my son, which means a reduction in his salary. There's a lot of focus on the person who's ill, but nobody thinks about the knock-on effect on your family.

Melanie Armer, who is living with terminal cancer
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Benefits and finances

Information about benefits and finances for people who're ill and their carers.
Benefits and finances