PIP for terminal illness: the special rules and the SR1
If someone may have 12 months or less to live, they can claim PIP under the special rules. They get enhanced daily living straight away, with no waiting period and usually no assessment. Mobility depends on their needs. Ring 0800 917 2222, say it's a special rules claim, and ask a doctor for an SR1.
With 12 months or less to live: a faster claim, enhanced daily living straight away, usually no assessment.
In this guide
In short
- The special rules apply if someone may have 12 months or less to live.
- Enhanced daily living is paid straight away. Mobility depends on their needs.
- No 3-month waiting period, and usually no assessment.
- An SR1 form from a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional supports the claim.
If you'd like the mobility part looked at too, the helper can write down how getting around is going, in plain words.
Who the special rules are for
The special rules are for people who may have 12 months or less to live. Nobody has to be certain. It's a healthcare professional's judgement that this is likely.
A family member, friend or carer can make the claim for them, even without their permission. DWP's letters to them won't mention the special rules.
What's different
- Daily living: paid at the enhanced rate straight away.
- Mobility: decided on their needs, so it may be paid at either rate, or not at all.
- No waiting period: they don't need to have had their needs for 3 months first.
- Usually no assessment: most special rules claims are decided without one.
- Faster: these claims are dealt with more quickly than other claims.
See PIP rates for 2026 to 2027 for the amounts.
How to claim
Ring the PIP new claims line on 0800 917 2222, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and say you're claiming under the special rules for end of life. Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 917 2222.
You won't need to fill in the full PIP2 form, 'How your disability affects you'.
The SR1 form
The SR1 is a short medical report from a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional. It replaced the old DS1500. They can send it to DWP themselves, online, by email or by post.
Ask the GP, consultant, specialist nurse or hospice team for one. The claim can start before it's done.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland
In Scotland, new claims are for Adult Disability Payment, which has its own rules for terminal illness. In Northern Ireland, ring 0800 012 1573.
Common questions
What is the SR1 form?
A short medical report from a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional, saying someone may have 12 months or less to live. It replaced the DS1500 and supports a special rules claim.
Do you need an assessment for PIP with a terminal illness?
Usually not. Most special rules claims are decided without an assessment.
Can I claim PIP for someone who is terminally ill?
Yes. A family member, friend or carer can make a special rules claim for them, even without their permission. DWP's letters won't mention the special rules.
Do you automatically get the mobility part?
No. Enhanced daily living is paid straight away, but mobility is decided on the person's own needs.
What if they live longer than 12 months?
Payments don't stop just because more time has passed. DWP may review the award later, like any other award.
Claiming is free
You can apply to DWP directly, and Citizens Advice can help at no cost. We're here if you'd rather do it yourself, at your own pace, any time, with no appointment to wait for.
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Sources
- PIP: claiming if you're nearing the end of life - GOV.UK - checked 27 September 2026
- Benefits if you're nearing the end of life - GOV.UK - checked 27 September 2026
- The special rules: guidance for healthcare professionals - GOV.UK - checked 27 September 2026