PIP Special Rules: Terminal Illness and the DS1500/SR1 (2026)
1. What are "Special Rules"?
If a person is terminally ill, their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim is handled differently to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible. This is known as claiming under
"Special Rules."
2. The "12-Month" Definition
In 2026, the legal definition for "Special Rules" is that a person's death can be
"reasonably expected within 12 months."
- *Note:* This was changed from 6 months in 2022 to make the system more compassionate.
- You do not need to be "at the end of life"—it is about the medical expectation over the next year.
To claim under special rules, you need a medical professional (GP, consultant, or specialist nurse) to complete an
SR1 form (which has largely replaced the old DS1500).
- The doctor sends this form directly to the DWP.
- The form confirms the diagnosis and that the 12-month rule applies.
4. Automatic Payments
If you claim under Special Rules:
1.
No PIP2 Form: You do not have to fill in the long 40-page questionnaire about your daily life.
2.
No Assessment: You do not have to attend a phone, video, or face-to-face interview.
3.
Automatic Enhanced Daily Living: You are automatically awarded the
Enhanced Rate of Daily Living (£108.55/week).
4.
Mobility is separate: You are not automatically awarded the Mobility component. The DWP will look at your SR1 form or speak to your doctor to decide if you qualify for the Standard or Enhanced Mobility rate.
5. Speed of Payment
Special Rules claims are fast-tracked. Decisions are usually made within
10 to 15 working days, and payments are backdated to the date of the claim.
6. Attendance Allowance and Special Rules
If the person is over State Pension age, they claim
Attendance Allowance under special rules.
- Like PIP, they are automatically awarded the Higher Rate (£108.55/week) without a long form or assessment.
7. Expert Tip: Making the Claim for Someone Else
You can make a PIP claim under Special Rules for someone else without them knowing (for example, if they haven't been told their diagnosis).
- You don't need their permission to call the DWP, but the money will be paid into their bank account unless you are their formal "Appointee."
8. Summary Checklist
1.
Ask your doctor for an SR1 form.
2.
Call the DWP PIP Helpline: 0800 917 2222.
3.
Say you are claiming under "Special Rules."
4.
The DWP will confirm receipt of the SR1 and fast-track the decision.