From July 2025 the SR1 form has replaced the DS1500 form.
You should complete an SR1 form promptly if you have a patient who:
- has a progressive disease, and
- as a consequence of that disease, you would not be surprised if they were to live for less than 12 months
It may be appropriate to complete an SR1 form:
- if you think the patient may meet the Special Rules for end of life eligibility criteria
- following a conversation about advance care planning
- as part of an assessment about current social and financial issues
- if requested by your patient or their representative
GPs need to give a date their patient was first thought to meet the Special Rules criteria. This may be the date of diagnosis, the date the form is being completed or some alternative date in between. Providing this information allows the DWP to ensure the patient receives payment from the correct date.
A patient’s claim is likely to be helped if relevant information is included such as:
- no or poor response to treatment
- palliative care or palliative treatment in any form including palliative chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiotherapy
- receiving symptom control and / or psychosocial support only
- no further treatment planned / available
- treatment is declined
- treatment ongoing but unlikely to alter prognosis
The following indicators may suggest that a patient is eligible under the Special Rules:
- advanced, progressive illness
- rapid or gradual deterioration of incurable or terminal condition
- worsening symptoms despite optimal treatment or management
- (severe) degenerative condition
- metastatic disease
- inoperable cancer
- severe frailty
- death is imminent, death is inevitable
- high risk of sudden death with an underlying deteriorating condition
The Special Rules criteria do not only apply to patients with cancer. They also apply to other severe, life-limiting conditions, such as:
- end-stage respiratory disease (for example COPD, pulmonary fibrosis)
- end-stage heart disease
- end-stage dementia
- severe frailty regardless of age
- end-stage liver disease
- end-stage renal failure
- end-stage neurological disease (for example motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease)
- end-stage cystic fibrosis
If you are a GMC registered doctor, you can claim a fee for completing an SR1 form by completing a separate fee form. Email form.e-SR1@dwp.gov.uk to request a fee form or follow the link given after you complete an SR1 form online.
Reference
- Department for Work and Pensions. The Special Rules for end of life: information for healthcare professionals. Updated 3 July 2025 (online)