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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 .

Find out how to claim under special rules if:

• you already get benefits
• you’re applying for benefits on behalf of someone else

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:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal CreditÌý

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.Ìý

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’.

Help and support

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

• - practical and emotional support at the end of life
• - care and support at the end of life
• - support for seriously ill children and their families
• - support for families with seriously ill children
• - for financial advice and support
• - advice on money and 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 at a higher rate.Ìý

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 still 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

Submitting an SR1 form

Ask your doctor or medical professional to submit an SR1 form. Only medical professionals can access and complete the form.ÌýIf 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 get 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’.

Check if the person you care for can get certain benefits more quickly and at a higher rate.

You may need to become an appointee to apply on behalf of someone else.

You do not need to become an appointee if you’re applying for:

• Attendance Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children

Check if you can get carers benefits

You may be eligible for financial support if you care for someone who is nearing the end of life.

If you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week,Ìýcheck if you can get Carer’s Allowance.

If you care for someone for at least 20 hours a week and you’re under State Pension age,Ìýcheck if you can get Carer’s Credit.

Help and support

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