Understanding PIP for Terminal Illness
Understanding PIP for Terminal Illness
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a UK benefit designed to help people aged 16 to State Pension age who have a long-term illness, disability, or mental health condition. Its main purpose is to support those who struggle with daily living tasks or getting around due to their health. PIP is not means-tested, so your income or savings do not affect your eligibility.
What Counts as a Terminal Illness for PIP?
Under PIP rules, a terminal illness is defined as a progressive disease where your life expectancy is thought to be six months or less. This does not mean you will definitely die within that time, but it means your condition is expected to get worse and could be life-limiting. The definition is set out in the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and related guidance. If a doctor or healthcare professional confirms your diagnosis and prognosis, you may be eligible for special support.
To learn more about what qualifies as a terminal illness, and how this affects your PIP claim, see the guidance from Citizens Advice.
Special Rules for Terminal Illness (SRTI)
If you have a terminal illness, you can claim PIP under the Special Rules for Terminal Illness (SRTI). These rules are designed to make the process much faster and less stressful. Key features include:
No face-to-face assessment: You will not need to attend a medical assessment.
Fast-tracked decision: Your claim is prioritised, so a decision is usually made within a few weeks.
Automatic entitlement: You are likely to be awarded the enhanced rate of the daily living component, and may also qualify for the mobility component, depending on your needs.
For step-by-step advice on how to apply under these rules, visit the Citizens Advice page on Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
What Support Does PIP Provide?
PIP is made up of two parts, called components:
Daily Living Component: Helps with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, eating, and managing medications.
Mobility Component: Supports those who have difficulty moving around or going out.
Each component has a standard and an enhanced rate. If you are claiming under the Special Rules for Terminal Illness, you will usually receive the enhanced rate of the daily living component automatically, and you may also get the mobility component if your condition affects your ability to move around.
Find Out More
If you want to explore how PIP works for other health conditions, or need broader information about claiming PIP, visit our PIP Health Condition Guides.
Understanding your rights and the special rules for terminal illness can help you access the support you need quickly and with less stress. If you need more detailed guidance, the Citizens Advice guide on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) provides clear, step-by-step instructions for making a fast-track claim.
Special Rules for Claiming PIP with a Terminal Illness
Special Rules for Claiming PIP with a Terminal Illness
If you have a terminal illness, you may be able to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) more quickly and easily through the “Special Rules for End of Life” (SREL). These rules are designed to help people who are not expected to live more than 12 months get the financial support they need without unnecessary delays or stressful assessments.
What Are the Special Rules?
Under the special rules, you do not need to attend a face-to-face assessment or fill in the usual lengthy forms. Instead, your application is fast-tracked, and decisions are made based on medical evidence provided by your healthcare professional. This means you can receive PIP payments sooner, helping you manage daily living and mobility needs at a difficult time.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for PIP under the special rules if your doctor or another healthcare professional believes your life expectancy is 12 months or less. The law guiding these rules is set out in the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and supporting regulations, which require medical evidence to confirm your condition.
To support your claim, your healthcare professional will complete a DS1500 form (now replaced by the SR1 form). This form provides details about your diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. The information helps the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) process your claim quickly. For more about how this form works and its role in expediting benefit claims, see the DS1500 and SR1 Forms for End-of-Life Benefit Claims.
How Is the Claim Process Different?
Claiming PIP under the special rules is much simpler and faster than the standard process:
No Face-to-Face Assessment: You will not be asked to attend a medical assessment. The decision is based entirely on the information provided by your healthcare professional.
Simplified Form: You only need to complete a short section of the PIP claim form. Most of the medical details come from the DS1500 or SR1 form.
Fast-Tracked Decision: The DWP aims to make a decision as quickly as possible – often within a few weeks – so you can access support without unnecessary waiting.
Faster Payments and Award Duration
If your claim is successful under the special rules, you will automatically receive the enhanced rate of the daily living component of PIP. You may also be eligible for the mobility component, depending on your needs. Awards made under the special rules are usually granted for a fixed period, often three years, but this can vary depending on your situation and the information provided by your healthcare professional.
Practical Advice
Ask your GP, consultant, or nurse to complete the DS1500 or SR1 form as soon as possible if you think you may be eligible.
Submit the form alongside your PIP application to ensure your claim is processed under the special rules.
If you are unsure about eligibility or the process, speak to your healthcare team or a welfare rights adviser for guidance.
Claiming PIP under the special rules can provide vital financial support at a challenging time. Understanding your rights and the process helps ensure you get the help you need quickly and without unnecessary stress.
How to Apply for PIP if You Have a Terminal Illness
When you have a terminal illness, claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is designed to be quicker and less stressful than the standard process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply under the special rules, so you can access the financial support you need as soon as possible.
Step 1: Start Your PIP Claim
You can begin your PIP claim either by phone or online. The quickest way is usually to call the PIP new claims line. You’ll be asked for your personal details, including:
Your full name, date of birth, and address
National Insurance number
Contact details (phone number and email, if you have one)
Bank or building society account details (for payments)
Details of your GP or healthcare professional
If you prefer, you can also start your application online through the government’s official service.
Step 2: Provide Information About Your Illness
When applying under the special rules for terminal illness, it’s important to make this clear from the start. Let the person taking your claim know that you (or the person you’re applying for) have a terminal illness. This ensures your application is fast-tracked and you won’t need to attend a face-to-face assessment.
Step 3: Gather Medical Evidence
To support your claim, you’ll need medical evidence that confirms your diagnosis and prognosis. The most common document is the DS1500 form, which your doctor, specialist nurse, or consultant can complete. This form provides details about your illness and why it is considered terminal.
If you don’t have a DS1500, a letter from your GP or consultant explaining your condition and expected progression can also be helpful. Submitting strong medical evidence helps the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) process your claim quickly and ensures you receive the right level of support.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve provided your personal and medical information, the DWP will usually send you a form (called ‘PIP 2’) to complete. If you’re claiming under the special rules, this form is shorter and focuses on your daily living and mobility needs. Return the form as soon as possible, along with your medical evidence.
What Happens Next?
After you’ve applied, your claim will be prioritised under the special rules. Most people with a terminal illness receive a decision much faster than standard PIP claims – often within a few weeks. The DWP will usually contact you if they need any more information or clarification. In most cases, you will not need to attend a medical assessment.
You’ll receive a letter confirming your PIP award and payment details. If your needs change, you can contact the DWP to have your claim reviewed at any time. For further details about how the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) processes PIP claims for terminal illness, see the official guidance.
Additional Support
PIP can help with the extra costs of daily living and getting around. If you need to make changes to your home – such as installing ramps, stairlifts, or other aids – your benefit can support these adjustments. Learn more about your rights to disability adjustments and accessible housing options in the UK.
Applying for PIP under the special rules is designed to be as straightforward as possible during a difficult time. By providing clear information and medical evidence, you can help ensure your claim is processed quickly and you receive the support you are entitled to.
Evidence Needed to Support Your Terminal Illness PIP Claim
Evidence Needed to Support Your Terminal Illness PIP Claim
When claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) under the special rules for terminal illness, providing the right medical evidence is essential. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uses this evidence to confirm your diagnosis and understand how your illness affects your daily life and mobility. Supplying clear and comprehensive documentation can help speed up your claim and ensure you receive the support you need without unnecessary delays or assessments.
Types of Medical Evidence
The DWP accepts various forms of medical evidence to support a PIP claim for terminal illness. The most common and important types include:
DS1500 form: This is a special medical report completed by a healthcare professional, such as your GP, hospital consultant, or specialist nurse. The DS1500 outlines your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. It is specifically designed for people with a terminal illness and is the primary evidence used for fast-tracking your claim.
Hospital letters: Letters from your hospital doctor or consultant detailing your condition, treatment plan, and how your illness affects you can strengthen your claim.
Specialist reports: Reports from palliative care teams, hospices, or other specialists involved in your care can provide additional insight into your needs and daily challenges.
GP records: Your GP can provide a summary of your medical history and recent consultations, which may be helpful if other evidence is not available.
For more detailed information about what counts as suitable medical evidence and how to obtain it, you can review the guidance from Citizens Advice.
Why Clear Evidence Matters
Under the special rules, you do not have to attend a face-to-face assessment or meet the usual qualifying period. However, you must provide clear evidence that:
You have a terminal illness, meaning your health professional does not expect you to live more than 12 months (as defined in the Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013).
Your condition significantly affects your ability to carry out daily living activities and/or move around.
Good evidence helps the DWP make a quick decision and ensures you receive the higher rate of PIP for daily living, with the mobility component awarded based on your needs.
How to Gather and Submit Evidence
To avoid delays with your claim:
Ask your healthcare professional for a DS1500 form as soon as possible. Most GPs, consultants, and specialist nurses are familiar with this process and can fill out the form quickly.
Collect any recent hospital letters or specialist reports that describe your illness and its impact on your daily life and mobility.
Submit all evidence together with your PIP claim form, or as soon as you receive it. You can send copies if you need to keep the originals.
Keep a record of what you have sent and when, in case you need to follow up.
If you are unable to gather the evidence yourself, a family member, carer, or support worker can help. They can contact your GP or hospital on your behalf, with your permission, to request the necessary documents.
Practical Tips
Let your healthcare team know you are applying for PIP under the special rules – they may be able to prioritise your DS1500 form.
If you are unsure what evidence you need, or if there are delays in getting documents, you can still submit your claim and send the evidence as soon as you have it.
The DWP may contact your healthcare professionals directly if further information is needed.
Gathering strong evidence at the start can make a real difference in how quickly your claim is processed and the level of support you receive. For more guidance and answers to common questions, you can find further details about medical evidence for terminal illness PIP claims.
What Happens After You Apply for PIP with a Terminal Illness
What Happens After You Apply for PIP with a Terminal Illness
When you apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) under the special rules for terminal illness in the UK, your claim is treated as a priority. This means the process is much faster than standard PIP applications, helping you access vital financial support as quickly as possible.
Fast-Tracked Claims Under Special Rules
If you are considered to have a terminal illness – meaning your doctor or healthcare professional believes your life expectancy is six months or less – you can apply for PIP using the “special rules.” Under these rules, your claim is fast-tracked and you do not have to wait as long for a decision compared to standard claims. According to fast-tracked claims, you will automatically receive the enhanced rate of the daily living component, without the need for a face-to-face assessment.
No Face-to-Face Assessments
One of the main benefits of claiming PIP under the special rules is that you usually do not need to attend a medical assessment. Instead, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will use the information provided by your healthcare professional – often a DS1500 or SR1 form – to make their decision. This helps reduce stress and speeds up the process at a difficult time.
How Decisions Are Communicated
Once your application has been reviewed, the DWP will send you a letter explaining their decision. This letter will detail:
The amount you will receive for daily living and, if eligible, for mobility
The date your payments will start
How long your award will last
If your claim is successful under the special rules, payments usually begin very soon after the decision is made.
What If You Disagree With the Decision?
If you do not agree with the outcome of your claim, you have the right to challenge the decision. You can ask for a “mandatory reconsideration,” which means the DWP will look at your case again. If you are still unhappy after this, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. It’s important to read your decision letter carefully, as it explains how to start this process and the deadlines you must follow.
How Long Is the Award Given For?
PIP awards made under the special rules for terminal illness are generally granted for a fixed period of three years. This is intended to reduce the need for frequent reviews and provide a sense of security. However, if your circumstances change or if the DWP needs to check your eligibility, they may review your claim before the three years are up. You will be notified in advance if a review is due.
For more details about the process and the support available, you can read the fast-tracked claims guidance from Marie Curie.
Applying for PIP under the special rules is designed to be as straightforward and supportive as possible. If you have questions about your application, decision letters, or what happens next, don’t hesitate to seek advice or support.
Additional Support and Related PIP Claims for Other Conditions
If you are claiming PIP under the special rules for terminal illness, you may also have other health conditions or disabilities that affect your daily life. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recognises that many people have more than one condition, and all of your health issues can be considered as part of your PIP claim. This can help ensure you receive the right level of support for your needs.
Below are some common health conditions that may be relevant to your PIP claim, especially if you are living with a terminal illness:
Diabetes: If you have diabetes alongside your terminal illness, your symptoms such as fatigue, nerve pain, or vision problems may impact your daily living and mobility. Learn more about how to Claim PIP for Diabetes.
OCD and Mental Health Conditions: Mental health issues like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder can also affect your eligibility for PIP. Find out more about Claim PIP for OCD, Claim PIP for Depression, Claim PIP for Anxiety, and Claim PIP for Bipolar Disorder.
Autism and Learning Disabilities: If you or someone you care for is autistic or has a learning disability, you may need extra support with communication, understanding information, or managing daily tasks. For more details, see Claim PIP for Autism and Claim PIP for Learning Disability.
ADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can affect concentration, organisation, and daily routines. Read more at Claim PIP for ADHD.
Arthritis and Joint Conditions: Conditions like arthritis or osteoarthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and mobility issues. Explore Claim PIP for Arthritis and Claim PIP for Osteoarthritis.
Digestive and Bowel Conditions: If you live with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or long COVID, your symptoms may impact your energy, mobility, or ability to manage personal care. See Claim PIP for Crohn’s Disease, Claim PIP for Ulcerative Colitis, and Claim PIP for Long Covid.
Chronic Fatigue and Pain Conditions: Conditions such as fibromyalgia or ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) can cause severe tiredness, pain, and difficulty with daily activities. Learn more at Claim PIP for Fibromyalgia and Claim PIP for ME and CFS.
Epilepsy: Seizures and related symptoms can affect your safety and independence. Read about how to Claim PIP for Epilepsy.
COPD and Heart Disease: Breathing difficulties or heart problems can limit your mobility and daily living. See Claim PIP for COPD and Claim PIP for Heart Disease.
Stroke: If you have had a stroke, you may need help with movement, speech, or personal care. Find out more at Claim PIP for Stroke.
When applying for PIP, make sure to mention all your health conditions and how they affect your daily life. The DWP will consider the combined impact of your terminal illness and any other conditions when making a decision about your claim.
For more guidance on the claims process and what happens after you apply, visit the official PIP claims page on GOV.UK.
If any of the conditions listed above apply to you, or if you want to understand how PIP works for specific health issues, we encourage you to explore our detailed, condition-specific guides. These can help you prepare your application and ensure you get the support you are entitled to.
Additional Resources and Support
If you need extra help with your PIP claim for a terminal illness, there are several resources and types of support available to make the process easier.
Many charities and advice centres across the UK offer free guidance on PIP claims, including help with filling in forms and understanding what information to include. Support workers and specialist advisers can explain how the special rules for terminal illness apply to your situation, and they can help you gather the medical evidence needed for your claim. If you’re unsure about any part of the application or the decision you receive, these advisers can also help you understand your rights and what steps to take next.
You can also contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) directly for personalised advice. Their staff are trained to assist people claiming PIP under the special rules and can answer questions about your claim, evidence, and payments.
PIP can help you access financial support not just for daily living and mobility needs, but also for making changes at home to improve your quality of life. For example, you might use your PIP award to help pay for equipment, home adaptations, or accessible transport. To learn more about your rights and what changes you can ask for – such as ramps, accessible bathrooms, or other adjustments – see our guide on disability adjustments.
Remember, you’re not alone in this process. Whether you need help with paperwork, understanding your entitlements, or making your home more comfortable, there are people and organisations ready to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for advice tailored to your needs.
