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Loss of independent existence

Date: May 2011

Definition:

Becoming permanently disabled according to all the requirements of either of the following definitions:

  • life tasks - becoming permanently disabled:
    • through ageing, illness or injury;
    • to the extent of being unable to perform any three of the six* life tasks (washing, dressing, transferring, mobility, continence and feeding) without the help of another person, but with the use of appropriate assistive aids and appliances; and
    • the disability is irreversible with no reasonable prospect of there ever being any improvement.
  • mental incapacity - becoming permanently disabled:
    • through an organic brain disease or brain injury which affects the ability to reason and understand;
    • the condition has deteriorated to the extent that continual supervision and the assistance of another person is required; and
    • the disability is irreversible with no reasonable prospect of there ever being any improvement.

*Please refer to the Self Assurance product guide for the six life tasks.

No change since April 2007

 

Definition update history:

Loss of independent existence January 2019
Loss of independent existence December 2015
Loss of independent existence September 2013
Loss of independent existence May 2012
Loss of independent existence May 2011
Loss of independent existence July 2009
Loss of independent existence April 2007
Loss of independent existence November 2003
Loss of independent existence March 2003
Loss of independent existence December 2002
Loss of independent existence September 2002
Loss of independent existence April 2002
Loss of independent existence July 2001
Loss of independent existence March 2001
Loss of independent existence June 2000
Loss of independent existence January 2000
Loss of independent existence July 1999

What does this mean?

This benefit is designed as a general disability benefit. Whilst some of the disabling diseases of older age, such as Alzheimer’s disease and motor neurone disease are covered separately, there are other conditions which can prove to be just as debilitating.

These could include conditions such as severe rheumatoid arthritis, which can prevent the sufferer from living without constant help and care. In some cases, it could just be extreme old age, which prevents the individuals from looking after themselves.

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