PIP Special Rules for End of Life (SREL): Fast-Track Claims Explained

SREL fast-tracks PIP for people with a severe condition — here's how it works

If you have a progressive condition and your clinician believes you have 12 months or less to live, you can claim PIP under the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL). This fast-track route removes the three-month qualifying period, bypasses the standard assessment process, and typically results in a decision within days rather than the usual 18-week median wait.

SREL claims are handled with urgency by the DWP. The process is designed to be as straightforward as possible at a time when filling in a standard PIP2 form would be an unreasonable burden.

Who qualifies for SREL?

You can claim under Special Rules if a registered medical practitioner, registered nurse, or other healthcare professional involved in your care judges that you have a progressive condition and could reasonably be expected to die within 12 months.

The Social Security (Special Rules for End of Life) Act 2022 extended the period from six months to 12 months. The change came into force on 3 April 2023, allowing more people to access the fast-track route earlier in the progression of their condition.

You don't need a specific diagnosis. The clinician's professional judgement about prognosis is what matters. Conditions covered range from terminal cancers to advanced heart failure, motor neurone disease, end-stage COPD, and any other progressive illness where life expectancy is assessed at 12 months or less.

How to make an SREL claim

The claim is started by calling the DWP New Claims Line on 0800 917 2222. If you cannot hear or speak on the phone, use Relay UK by dialling 18001 then 0800 917 2222. Tell the agent at the start that you're claiming under Special Rules for End of Life. If someone else calls on your behalf, you need to be with them when they call.

Ask a medical professional for an SR1 form. They can give the completed form to you or send it directly to the DWP. SR1 replaced DS1500; medical professionals can return it online, by email or by post.

There is no PIP2 form or assessment consultation. The DWP still reviews mobility needs on paper using the information from the claim and SR1, and may seek more information if needed.

What SREL awards look like

Under SREL, the claimant is awarded the Enhanced rate of the Daily Living component automatically. The Mobility component is assessed separately — the DWP may still consider the claimant's mobility needs, but in practice the award is often processed quickly based on the available information.

The usual three-month qualifying period does not apply. On the SR1, the healthcare professional records when the claimant was first thought to meet the special-rules criteria. SREL awards are mostly short-term awards without a review; they end within a small number of years unless a new claim is submitted.

The claimant doesn't have to know their prognosis

The clinician can complete and submit an SR1 without the claimant being told that they meet the end-of-life criteria. The DWP processes SREL claims sensitively. All SREL claims are clearly flagged, and assessment-provider referrals must be completed and returned to DWP within 2 working days. A carer, family member, or appointee can make the claim on the claimant's behalf; if they call, the claimant needs to be with them.

If a standard PIP claim is already in progress

If someone has already started a standard PIP claim and their condition deteriorates to the point where SREL applies, they (or their clinician) can notify the DWP. If the claimant knows about their prognosis, the claim can be considered under SREL; if they are unaware, it must remain a standard claim.

If someone already has a PIP award at a lower rate, a clinician submitting an SR1 can trigger a review and upgrade to Enhanced Daily Living under SREL.

Getting support

Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, and local hospice teams often have welfare benefits advisers who can help with SREL claims. Many hospice teams are experienced at submitting SR1 forms quickly and can guide the claimant's family through the process.

For a standard PIP claim (not SREL), the PIP Claim Guide for England and Wales covers the full process from the first call to the decision. SREL claims follow a separate, simpler path — but the guide does explain how SREL interacts with the broader PIP system and what it means for household benefits.

See more England and Wales guides →