Child DLA Special Rules for Terminal Illness: SR1 Form and Fast-Track Claims

What the Special Rules Mean for a Child's DLA Claim

In England, Wales, and Scotland, the Social Security (Special Rules for End of Life) Act 2022 allows a child with a terminal illness to use the DLA special rules. Northern Ireland has separate legislation, the Social Security (Terminal Illness) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. Both use a 12-month test: death can reasonably be expected within 12 months, expanded from the previous 6-month rule.

If your child qualifies under Special Rules for End of Life (SREOL), three things change:

1. The 3-month qualifying period is waived entirely. Standard claims require the child to have had care needs for at least 3 months before the award can start. Under special rules, this waiting period disappears.
2. Highest Rate Care is awarded under the special rules. There's no need to complete the detailed daily-living questions on the form. The child is paid straight away unless they are in a residential care home, boarding school, or similar place.
3. Processing is fast-tracked. Claims are typically decided within 5 to 10 working days, compared to the usual 12-16 weeks for standard claims.

The mobility component is assessed separately and can still be awarded at any qualifying rate alongside the automatic highest care.

The SR1 Form

Medical evidence for a special rules claim is provided via form SR1, which replaced the older DS1500 form. The form comes from the child's doctor or specialist and confirms that the child meets the 12-month life expectancy criterion.

You don't need to obtain the SR1 yourself before claiming. You can submit the DLA claim form first and the SR1 can follow separately — the DWP will process the claim once both arrive. However, getting the SR1 submitted as quickly as possible speeds up the decision.

The child's doctor or specialist can provide the SR1. Their receptionist, a nurse, or a social worker can arrange it for you. There's no charge for the form.

How to Claim Under Special Rules

Call the DLA helpline on 0800 121 4600 and tell them you're claiming under special rules. The call date establishes your claim date, and the 6-week return deadline for the form pack still applies.

On the claim form (DLA1 Child), tick "Yes" in the special rules section and note that an SR1 is being arranged. You don't need to complete the detailed care and mobility questions — though doing so can help if the mobility component is also being assessed.

In Northern Ireland, the process runs through the Department for Communities Disability and Carers Service. The same SR1 form applies, and the fast-track provisions mirror the DWP process.

In Scotland, Child DLA has been replaced by Child Disability Payment. The equivalent end-of-life form is the BASRiS, and claims go through Social Security Scotland.

What the Award Unlocks

A special rules award at Highest Rate Care immediately triggers eligibility for Carer's Allowance (if the carer meets the 35-hours-per-week requirement), Universal Credit disabled child additions at the higher rate, and Benefit Cap exemption. If Higher Rate Mobility is also awarded, the family qualifies for Blue Badge and potentially the Motability Scheme.

Families can also apply to charitable organisations like the Family Fund for discretionary grants covering equipment, breaks, and practical support.

The Claim Doesn't Have to Feel Overwhelming

The DLA process under special rules is deliberately simplified. The detailed form sections that most claimants spend weeks on don't need to be completed. The focus is on getting support in place quickly.

Our Child DLA Claim Guide covers both the standard and special rules claim routes, including what to expect from the fast-track timeline and how linked benefits are triggered by the award.

See more United Kingdom guides →