Kellie Armstrong MLA supports early access to State Pension for those with Terminal Illness
Strangford Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong MLA has today pledged her support for a vital campaign led by Marie Curie, calling for the early release of the state pension for individuals diagnosed with terminal illnesses.
The campaign, which aims to ensure that people with a terminal diagnosis with 12 months or less to live are able access their state pension earlier. It is an essential step toward improving the financial wellbeing and peace of mind of those facing their final months.
Armstrong, a strong advocate for social justice and the rights of vulnerable individuals, has voiced her backing for the movement, stressing the need for a compassionate approach to those who are nearing the end of their lives.
“The current system fails to recognise the unique challenges faced by people with terminal illnesses, and this reform could provide vital financial support during an incredibly difficult time,” said Armstrong.
“By ensuring that individuals with a terminal diagnosis can access their state pension earlier, we are not only showing compassion, dignity and respect but also providing practical support for those who need it most.”
Marie Curie, the leading charity for people living with terminal illnesses, has long campaigned for this change to give terminally ill individuals greater control over their finances, reducing the stress and uncertainty in their final months.
Research done by Loughborough University in conjunction with Marie Curie created a report which revealed a deeply concerning analysis of how many people are dying in fuel poverty.
At least 128,000 in 2022 died in fuel poverty.
That’s more than 1 in 5 of all people who died that year, and includes 110,000 pensioners.
Marie Curie is now calling on the UK Government to guarantee working age people with less than 12 months to live a pension-level income and introduce a social tariff to cut energy bills for people at the end of life.
Armstrong’s endorsement of this critical issue signals growing political momentum to address this significant gap in the current pension system.
“Everyone deserves dignity and respect in their final months,” Armstrong added. “The financial support provided by early access to the state pension would give families one less thing to worry about at a time when they should be focusing on their loved ones.
