People with a specific diagnosis can apply under ‘special rules’
Personal Independence Payments (PIP) provide financial support for people with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities who struggle with daily tasks or mobility. Claimants are reviewed based more on how their condition affects them rather than what their diagnosis actually is, unless they have been told one specific thing by their doctors.
People who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness have different rules when applying to PIP which can ‘guarantee’ they’ll get their application fast-tracked and receive the highest rate of the daily living payment which is £110.40. This is due to increase to £114.60 from April 6, 2026.
Citizens Advice states: “If you have a terminal illness, you’ll usually get PIP automatically. The DWP will fast-track your application – this means: you won’t have to fill out as many forms, you won’t have to go to a face-to-face assessment, you should get your first payment sooner.
“Someone else can claim on behalf of a person who is terminally ill. For example, because the person doesn’t know that they have a terminal illness. If you do this, let the person know that the claim for PIP is being made, even if they don’t know it is because they’re terminally ill.”
To qualify for PIP under the special rules for end-of-life cases you must be over the age of 16 when you apply, living in England or Wales and your doctor must say you could die within 12 months.
However, Government guidance notes: “It can be difficult to predict how long someone might live for. If a medical professional has not talked to you about this, you can still ask them to support your claim under the special rules for end of life.”
If you meet these criteria, you’ll receive the higher daily living element automatically. But you will only qualify for the mobility element if you have mobility issues as a result of your health.
Citizens Advice adds: “Make sure you tell the DWP if you have problems most of the time when moving around or going out. For example, tell them how far and how fast you can walk before these problems start.”
It advised people with terminal diagnoses inform the DWP if they:
- Can’t walk without pain, breathlessness or help
- Need a wheelchair, walking stick or other mobility aid
- Experience stress and anxiety that makes it difficult to go out
To claim PIP under the special rules for end-of-life claims you’ll need to call the PIP team and state you want to start a claim under these rules. The PIP team will then ask questions about your condition to gauge your eligibility.
You’ll also need to ask your medical team for an SR1 form, which they may give to you or send to the DWP directly. This can be from your GPs, consultants, specialists, hospice doctors or registered nurses, including Macmillan nurses.
People with a life-limiting diagnosis may also be able to apply with the special rules for Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance if they are working age. Claimants over the state pension age can access Attendance Allowance, while those under 16 will need to apply for Disability Living Allowance for children.
Once you have applied, Macmillan experts note you should get your first payment within two weeks of applying. You’ll also be able to bypass some of the other PIP eligibility criteria like having daily living or mobility difficulties for the last three months.
