What is the special rules for terminal illness?

The 'special rules' allow people with a terminal illness to fast-track benefit claims and receive the highest rates without a face-to-face assessment. Under the current definition, you qualify if a clinician considers your life expectancy to be less than 12 months. Benefits processed under special rules include PIP, UC, ESA, Attendance Allowance, and DLA. Claims are typically decided within days rather than weeks.

Do I need to be told I'm dying to claim under special rules?

No. Your doctor or clinician can complete the SR1 form (previously DS1500) without telling you your prognosis, if that's your preference. A family member, carer, or representative can also apply on your behalf under special rules. The system is designed to be as straightforward as possible during an extremely difficult time.

How long does a special rules claim take?

Special rules claims are prioritised and typically processed within a few days — often within 48 hours for PIP and ESA. This compares to weeks or months for standard claims. UC claims under special rules also receive expedited processing. The aim is to get financial support in place as quickly as possible.

What benefits can I claim under special rules for terminal illness?

PIP (automatically highest rate daily living), Attendance Allowance (automatically higher rate), ESA (placed in support group without assessment), UC (LCWRA without WCA), DLA for children, and Carer's Allowance for your carer. There's no face-to-face assessment for any of these. Your clinician completes an SR1 form as supporting evidence.

Benefits & Support

Benefits for Terminal Illness — Fast-Track Claims and Special Rules

How to fast-track benefit claims for terminal illness in the UK in 2026. Covers the special rules, DS1500/SR1 form, PIP, UC, ESA, Attendance Allowance, and how the process works.

By PocketWise · 8 April 2026 · 3 min read

Benefits information is based on current DWP and HMRC rules. Entitlements depend on your personal circumstances. For free personalised help, contact Citizens Advice or call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.

If you or someone you care for has a terminal illness, benefits can be fast-tracked with higher payments and no assessments. Here’s how the special rules work.

The Special Rules

Feature	Detail
Definition	Life expectancy considered to be less than 12 months
Who certifies	Your doctor, consultant, or specialist nurse
Form	SR1 (replaced the DS1500 from April 2022)
Processing time	Typically 2-5 working days (vs weeks/months normally)
Face-to-face assessment	Not required
Highest rate	Automatically awarded for qualifying benefits

Benefits Under Special Rules

PIP (Personal Independence Payment)

Feature	Under Special Rules
Daily living component	Automatically enhanced rate (£108.55/week)
Mobility component	Assessed on evidence (may get enhanced or standard)
Assessment	No face-to-face assessment required
Processing time	Usually within days
Review period	Award made for 3 years (can be renewed)

Attendance Allowance (Age 66+)

Feature	Under Special Rules
Rate	Automatically higher rate (£108.55/week)
Waiting period	None — normally there’s a 6-month qualifying period
Assessment	No face-to-face assessment
Processing time	Usually within days

The removal of the 6-month qualifying period is critical — it means support starts immediately.

ESA (Employment and Support Allowance)

Feature	Under Special Rules
Support group	Placed directly in the support group
Work Capability Assessment	Not required
Rate	Enhanced rate
Processing time	Fast-tracked

Universal Credit

Feature	Under Special Rules
LCWRA element	Added immediately (£416.19/month)
Work Capability Assessment	Not required
Work requirements	All work-related requirements removed
Processing time	Fast-tracked

DLA for Children

Feature	Under Special Rules
Care component	Automatically highest rate
Qualifying period	None — starts immediately
Processing time	Usually within days

The SR1 Form

Who Completes It

The SR1 form is completed by a medical professional:

Your GP
Hospital consultant
Specialist nurse (e.g., Macmillan nurse)
Any registered clinician who knows your condition

What It Contains

Section	Information
Clinical diagnosis	Your medical condition(s)
Treatment	Current and planned treatment
Prognosis	Clinical judgement on life expectancy

You Don’t Need to See the Form

The SR1 form goes directly from the clinician to DWP/HMRC. You don’t need to read it or know its contents if you prefer not to.

How to Claim

Step by Step

Step	Action
1	Ask your doctor or specialist to complete an SR1 form
2	Call the relevant benefit helpline and say you’re claiming under “special rules”
3	The claim is flagged as priority
4	Decision typically within 2-5 working days
5	Payment starts immediately

Contact Numbers

Benefit	Phone Number
PIP (new claim)	0800 917 2222
PIP (existing claim to upgrade)	0800 121 4433
Attendance Allowance	0800 731 0122
ESA	0800 169 0310
UC	0800 328 5644
DLA (children)	0800 121 4600

Someone Else Can Claim for You

A family member, friend, carer, or professional (such as a Macmillan nurse or social worker) can make the claim on your behalf. They don’t need formal authorisation for the initial call.

Financial Summary

Maximum Weekly Payments Under Special Rules

Benefit	Weekly Rate
PIP enhanced daily living	£108.55
PIP enhanced mobility	£75.75
Attendance Allowance higher rate	£108.55
ESA support group	£138.20
UC LCWRA element	£96.05 (part of monthly UC)
Carer’s Allowance (for your carer)	£81.90

Additional Support

Support	Detail
Macmillan grants	One-off grants from Macmillan Cancer Support
NHS Continuing Healthcare	Fully funded care if needs are primarily health-related
Free prescriptions	In Scotland, Wales, NI already. In England, apply for exemption
Council care services	Assessed and provided based on need
Charitable grants	Turn2us, Maggie’s, Marie Curie

Reviews and Changes

Situation	What Happens
Award review period ends	DWP may contact for renewal — SR1 rules still apply
Condition improves	Can continue to claim at standard rates
Carer stops caring	Carer’s Allowance ends (but your benefits continue)
Person dies	Benefits stop — overpayments during claim period aren’t usually recovered

Sources

GOV.UK — Benefits and terminal illness