Get benefits if you're nearing the end of life
If you already get benefits
If you’re nearing the end of life (for example, due to a life-limiting illness) you might be able to get your benefits more quickly and at a higher rate.
This is sometimes called ‘special rules for end of life’.
If a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live, you’ll need to:
- report this as a change in your circumstances
- ask your medical professional to fill out a form (known as an SR1) to confirm that you’re nearing the end of life
If a medical professional has not talked to you about how long you might live for, you can ask if they’ll support your claim under the special rules for end of life.
Report a change of circumstances
Find out how to report a change of circumstances if you already get:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children
- DLA for adults
Send an SR1 form
Ask your doctor or medical professional to complete an SR1 form. They will have the form.
Your medical professional will usually send the form, or you can send it yourself. The address is on the form.
You only need one SR1 form to be completed, even if you get more than one benefit.