"It's a nightmare scenario" - death, dying and financial hardship

Published on: 11 September 2024
"It's a nightmare scenario" - death, dying and financial hardship

An estimated 90,000 people die in poverty every year in the UK [1]. But the significant financial and social needs of this group and their loved ones are not being met.

This report shares real-world experiences to highlight the needs of people experiencing financial hardship at the end of life, and their loved ones. It sets out recommendations for governments, local health systems and services to improve their experiences.

Financial hardship at the end of life quote 1

“It has a profound effect to have no money and be terminally ill. You’d think I might as well end my life and it’s a nightmare scenario.” – focus group participant

About the report

People experiencing financial hardship have pronounced social and financial needs at the end of life. In order for them to have a good death, these needs must be met. But oftentimes they aren't.

This report highlights the perspectives and experiences of people facing financial hardship at the end of life, and their loved ones. It finds that the support available to them is inadequate, inaccessible and inconsistent.

The report also incudes insights from professionals working in health, care and financial support. They highlight gaps in the health, care and welfare system. 

In the report, we make key recommendations to governments, health systems and services. We suggest ways these institutions can improve experiences at the end of life for people facing financial hardship.

Terminology

Research and policy work relevant to this report use a variety of terms and definitions such as 'poverty' (deep, relative and absolute), 'low socioeconomic status' and 'deprivation'. 

We chose to frame our work around 'financial hardship' to capture the broadest range of experiences possible. 

Download the report

"It's a nightmare scenario" - Death, Dying and Financial Hardship

View the report as a .pdf file.

Plain text version of the report

View the plain text report as a .docx file.

Welsh language version of the Executive Summary and Recommendations

View the Welsh language version as a .pdf file.

An easy read version of the report is being produced and will be available shortly.

If you find this report inaccessible, please email our Policy team who will be pleased to help.

More information

Promoting equality in end of life care

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More information on financial hardship at the end of life

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Hear from people with lived experience

Read the article
  1. Marie Curie. Dying in poverty: exploring poverty at the end of life in the UK. Marie Curie; 2022
Financial hardship at the end of life

Financial hardship at the end of life

This page explores death, dying and financial hardship. It pulls together our findings on this topic, as well as recommendations for governments, health systems and services.

Find out more