Supporting patients at End of Life
If a patient is considered to be at end of life, they may be able to apply for benefits under Special Rules, where a medical report can be submitted to the relevant benefits department to support their claim.
The medical report to complete to apply under the Special Rules is called an SR1.
You should complete the SR1 form promptly if you believe that:
- The patient has a progressive disease
and as a consequence of that disease
- you would not be surprised if your patient were to die within 12 months
Who do the Special Rules apply to?
The Special Rules can apply to patients with:
- severe life-limiting conditions
- chronic progressive illnesses
- frailty
- advanced, progressive illness
- rapid or gradual deterioration of
incurable or terminal condition - high risk of sudden death with an
underlying deteriorating condition
Who can complete a SR1 form?
Professionals who can complete the SR1:
- Consultants
- GPs
- Specialty doctors
- Hospice doctors
- Senior specialist nurses (e.g., Clinical Nurse Specialists, Advanced Nurse Practioners)
Why complete the SR1 form?
For successful claims via SR1 forms, the benefit recipient benefits from:
- Faster processing
- Higher payment rates (higher or enhanced awards for care or daily living)
- Applications bypass the largest sections of the form
- No requirement for DWP-arranged medical assessment
- Paid weekly rather than every 4 weeks
- Earlier entitlement (exempt from some qualifying period rules)
What happens if the patient lives more than 12 months?
There are no negative consequences for clinicians or families if the child does not pass away within 12 months. Benefit awards under the Special Rules are typically made for three years.
Where can I find more information about the Special Rules?
The Government has additional advice and guidance for healthcare professionals here.
Where do I submit the SR1 form?
You can submit the SR1 form online, by email or by post.
Click here to view more information about each of these methods.
The webpage includes:
- the online form
- the email address you need to contact to request the .PDF form if you want to submit the form via email
- the form to complete to order a pack of paper forms – if you want to post the form.
Can I claim a fee for completing the form?
General practitioners and GMC-registered consultants can claim a fee for completing an SR1 form. There is a fee form attached to the SR1 form which can be submitted alongside it.
If you decide to give a paper SR1 form to the patient to post, please post your fee form seperately.