Special rules for end of life
Special rules for end of life apply in the following social security benefits: Attendance Allowance; Disability Living Allowance; Personal Independence Payment; Employment and Support Allowance; and Universal Credit.
The Special Rules provide fast-tracked access to these benefits where a person has received a diagnosis of a progressive disease, and death is reasonably expected within 12 months. This life expectancy timeframe aligns more closely with that used in the Health Service for the purposes of “end of life” care.
In Northern Ireland people who are nearing the end of life will be able to access fast-tracked financial support through social security benefits. They will not have to go through assessments and will get automatic access to benefits earlier.
- Guide to completing medical reports
- The Special Rules: how the benefit system supports people nearing the end of life
Personal Independence Payment
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people aged 16 to 64 years.
Most PIP claimants will undergo a face-to-face assessment with a Health Professional working on behalf of Capita Health and Wellbeing, the PIP Assessment Provider in Northern Ireland. They may contact you for further information about a claimant. In line with General Medical Council guidelines, contact will only be made where the patient’s consent is held.
There are also Special Rules for claimants who are nearing the end of life and are not expected to live for more than 12 months to ensure they get help quickly. You may be requested to fill in an SR1 form for a patient who may have 12 months or less to live to confirm their medical condition.
We’ve developed resources to help provide an overview of PIP and your role in the process. Further information is available on nidirect and these pages are updated regularly to reflect the latest information about PIP.
Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
Further information about Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) specifically for healthcare professionals is available.
Income Support
Income Support is extra money to help people on a low income. It’s for people who don't have to sign on as unemployed. Whether you qualify or not and how much you get depends on your circumstances.
Guidance for Social Workers in Northern Ireland
For more information on Income Support