FACT CHECK: No, The UK Government Is Not Offering ‘Cash Bonuses’ To Families Who Euthanize Elderly Relatives

A post shared on Facebook claims the UK government is offering “cash bonuses” to families who euthanize their elderly relatives. 

Verdict: False

This screenshot was taken from a site notorious for spreading misinformation.

Fact Check: 

The UK government has floated the possibility of social media for those under 16 and announced more research into certain technology’s affect on children, according to BBC. Technology secretary Peter Kyle said he would “do what it takes” to keep children safe online, but some suggest social media is not enough, the outlet reported.

A Facebook post appears to show a screenshot of an article with the headline, “UK Gov’t To Offer ‘Cash Bonuses’ to Families Who Euthanize Their Elderly Their Elderly Relatives.” The article used in the post shows an elderly man closing himself in a purple pod.

“The UK government has announced plans to offer cash incentives to the relatives of elderly citizens who opt to be euthanized,” the caption reads, in part.

It then goes on to quote an alleged article from the Telegraph that reads, in part, “terminally ill pensioners could end their lives earlier to spare loved ones six-figure tax bills under assisted dying legislation, experts have warned.”

The article seen in the screenshot is not genuine. It stems from a site called The People’s Voice, a site known for spreading misinformation. The site contains a “Terms of Use” page with the disclaimer saying the site “makes no representations about the suitability, reliability, availability, timeliness, and accuracy of the information, software, products, services and related graphics contained on the site for any purpose.”

There are no credible news reports to corroborate the claim. (RELATED: Did Keir Starmer Tell UK Residents To Leave The Country If They Disagree With Labour Party Policies?)

The post’s caption refers to an article from The Telegraph. The genuine article reports on how currently, beneficiaries can inherit pensions free of income tax only if someone dies before age 75, and that potential legalization of assisted dying could complicate this. The article does not mention “cash bonuses” anywhere. 

Check Your Fact reached out to spokespeople for The Telegraph and the UK Cabinet Office for comment.