We are sorry if you or someone you love is facing this. Here is what to ask for, so the money arrives quickly.
Quick facts
- Who
- Someone who may have under 12 months to live
- Form
- SR1, from a GP, hospital or hospice doctor, or nurse
- Over State Pension age
- Attendance Allowance
- Under State Pension age
- PIP, ESA, Universal Credit
- Live longer?
- Benefits continue, reviewed after three years
The SR1 form
Ask a medical professional, such as a GP, a hospital or hospice doctor, or a registered nurse such as a Macmillan nurse, to fill in an SR1 form. It confirms the diagnosis and treatment. They send it to the Department for Communities, or you can send it yourself.
If you live longer than 12 months after your claim, your benefits continue, but the claim may be reviewed after three years.
Which benefits
At State Pension age, claim Attendance Allowance. With an SR1, you do not need to have someone looking after you to qualify.
Aged 16 to State Pension age, check Personal Independence Payment, Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit. You may get more than one.
If you already get benefits
Report the change: call the Disability and Carers Service for Attendance Allowance or DLA, the PIP Centre for PIP, the ESA Centre for ESA, or use your online account for Universal Credit.
Claiming for someone else
You can claim Attendance Allowance, PIP or DLA for children on someone's behalf. For other benefits you need to become their appointee.
Common questions
What is an SR1 form?
A form a doctor or nurse fills in to confirm someone may have less than 12 months to live, so benefits are paid faster under the special rules.
Do I need someone caring for me to get Attendance Allowance under the special rules?
No, not once the Department for Communities has your SR1 form.