Cancer and benefits

We have already made significant changes to recognise the particular challenges faced by people suffering from cancer ( Welfare bill 'will penalise cancer patients' , 9 March). Within six weeks of the election we changed the rules to allow people in between courses of chemotherapy, as well as those on them, to automatically qualify for unconditional support. As part of Professor Harrington 's independent review of the work capability assessment , he will work with Macmillan Cancer to look into how the WCA assesses people with cancer – including how we can help people receiving oral chemotherapy. His recommendations will be made later this year. Similarly, in our proposed reforms of the disability living allowance , we have made it absolutely clear that anyone diagnosed with terminal cancer will automatically receive the benefit and will not have to wait. This government has made a commitment to put the needs of the vulnerable first. David Freud Minister for welfare reform