People with a terminal illness can have their PIP claim fast-tracked with special rules that mean no face-to-face assessment and higher daily living payments

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) offer financial assistance to those living with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities who face difficulties with everyday tasks or getting around. Claims are assessed primarily on how a condition impacts an individual’s daily life, rather than their specific diagnosis, unless their doctor has informed them of one particular thing.

Those who have received a terminal diagnosis are subject to different rules when applying for PIP, which can effectively ‘guarantee’ a fast-tracked application and entitle them to the highest rate of the daily living payment, currently set at £110.40. This figure is due to rise 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 be eligible for PIP under the special rules for end-of-life cases, applicants must be aged 16 or over at the time of applying, be residing in England or Wales, and have a doctor confirm that they may pass away 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,” reports the Mirror.

Should you meet these criteria, you will automatically receive the higher daily living element. However, you will only be eligible for the mobility element if your health condition directly causes mobility difficulties.

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 make a PIP claim under the special rules for end-of-life, you will need to telephone the PIP team and state that you wish to begin a claim under these provisions. The PIP team will then ask a series of questions regarding your condition in order to assess your eligibility.

You will also need to request an SR1 form from your medical team, which they may either hand directly to you or submit to the DWP on your behalf. This can be provided by your GPs, consultants, specialists, hospice doctors or registered nurses, including Macmillan nurses. Individuals with a life-limiting diagnosis may also be eligible to apply under the special rules for Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance if they are of working age.

Those above state pension age can access Attendance Allowance, while children under 16 will need to apply for Disability Living Allowance for children.

After submitting your application, Macmillan specialists indicate you should receive your initial payment within a fortnight of applying. You’ll also be able to skip some of the standard PIP eligibility requirements, such as demonstrating daily living or mobility challenges for the previous three months.