The PIP claim process for people who are nearing end of life

For anyone who is nearing end of life and not expected to live more than six months, there is a special fast-track PIP claim procedure called 'special rules for end of life'.

The UK Government Welfare Reform Act defines someone who is nearing end of life as "suffering from a progressive disease, and death in consequence of that disease can reasonably be expected within six months".

We understand this is a very stressful and challenging time for any individual and for their family and friends. Both DWP and IAS colleagues will try to simplify and ease the process for PIP cases of this kind.

People who meet the criteria for claiming under 'special rules for end of life':

  • Don’t have to complete a ‘How your disability affects you’ form
  • Don’t need a consultation
  • Are guaranteed to receive the enhanced rate of the daily living component of PIP
  • May also receive either the standard or the enhanced level of the mobility component depending on individual circumstances.

How it works:

  1. Someone claiming under the ‘special rules’ process should start by telephoning DWP on the PIP new claims line on 0800 917 2222 – callers should select option 1 for a new claim and then option 3. A dedicated special rules team will take the call and complete the claim. This phone call can be made by the individual or someone calling on his or her behalf. Some people are unaware that they are nearing end of life and it is not always in their interest to inform them. This is something that should be discussed with the health professionals providing care to the individual. The individual could still be entitled to PIP even if they are unaware of their diagnosis. When claiming on behalf of someone nearing end of life, it is important to let DWP know if they are not aware of the situation.
  2. We understand that this is a very difficult time for individuals and their families and our health professionals will try to be as tactful as possible.
  3. During the call, the DWP agent will ask some questions about you and the person on whose behalf you are calling.
  4. In most cases, where there is a diagnosis of nearing end of life, the GP or other health professional dealing with the case will have provided a DS1500 medical report. You will not be charged for this report.
  5. The DS1500 should be sent to DWP when you apply for PIP, however, you should not wait for this if it will significantly delay your application. If you have already sent a DS1500 form to DWP in the last six months, then you don‘t need to send a new one unless your condition has changed.
  6. Once the claim has been registered by DWP, they will refer it to an assessment provider who will review the information and the evidence provided and respond to DWP, generally within 48 hours.

If you, or the person on whose behalf you are claiming does not meet the DWP criteria for nearing end of life, they will ask you to make a claim under the ‘normal rules’ and send a ‘How your disability affects you’ form. This is likely to result in a consultation and may take longer to arrange. If your condition then deteriorates during this time, it is important that you let DWP know that your circumstances have changed.

If you are already receiving Disability Living Allowance

If you are already getting Disability Living Allowance (DLA) under ‘special rules for end of life', you will be invited to claim PIP once your DLA award has ended. If you are already getting DLA under ‘normal rules’ and you are now nearing 'end of life', as defined by  DWP, you should speak to DWP to confirm if you'll be invited to claim PIP.

If you are claiming for another person

Once an award has been made, DWP will send payment directly to the person nearing end of life. DWP do not need to know that that the claim has been made under the 'special rules for end of life' process.