Get benefits if you're nearing the end of life

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Claiming benefits under special rules

If you’re nearing the end of life (for example, due to a life-limiting illness) you might be able to get certain benefits more quickly and at a higher rate.

This is sometimes called ‘special rules for end of life’.

There are different rules if you live in Scotland.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Find out how to claim under special rules if:

Check if you’re eligible to claim under special rules

You’re eligible for the special rules if both of the following apply:

  • you have an illness that gets worse over time
  • your doctor or medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live

If a medical professional has not talked to you about how long you might live for, you can still ask if they’ll support your claim under the special rules for end of life.

Medical professionals include:

  • GPs
  • consultants
  • specialty doctors
  • hospice doctors
  • registered nurses (for example, Macmillan nurses or specialist nurses)

Check which benefits you’re eligible for

If you’re applying under the special rules, you must still be eligible for the benefit. Each benefit has different eligibility criteria.

You may be eligible for more than one benefit at the same time.

If you’ve reached State Pension age

You can apply for Attendance Allowance.

If you’re under State Pension age

The benefits you can apply for are:

If your child is nearing the end of life

If you have a child under 16 who is nearing the end of life, you can apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children.

How to apply under the special rules

  1. Check you’re eligible for the benefit.

  2. Apply for the benefit, saying that you’re claiming under the special rules for end of life. 

  3. Ask your doctor or medical professional to complete an SR1 form to confirm that you’re nearing the end of life. Only medical professionals can access and complete the form.

  4. Your medical professional will usually submit the form for you. If they give you the completed form, there are instructions on the form for sending it by post.

You only need one SR1 form to be completed, even if you’re applying for more than one benefit.

If you want a copy of the completed form, you can ask your medical professional or call the ‘PIP enquiry line’.

PIP enquiry line
Telephone: 0800 121 4433  
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 121 4433  
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Find out about call charges

Help and support

If you need support after your diagnosis or with applying for benefits you can get help from the following organisations:

View a printable version of the whole guide

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