What is a BASRiS form?
If you're living with a terminal illness and applying for certain benefits in Scotland, you might have been told you need a BASRiS form. BASRiS stands for Benefits Assessment for Special Rules in Scotland. We know the application process can be confusing – on this page we tell you everything you need to know about the BASRiS form, and how to apply for benefits under the special rules.
The BASRiS form is one of the forms used for claiming benefits under the special rules for people with a terminal illness. If you're not sure which form you need, read our information about the special rules and the different forms. We also have a separate page on the SR1 medical report form.
The DS1500 form has been replaced
You may be familiar with the DS1500 form – please be aware this has now been replaced by the SR1 medical report form.
What is a BASRiS form?
The BASRiS form is a new form that can be used when people with a terminal illness in Scotland are applying for specific benefits under the special rules. Your doctor or nurse fills out the BASRiS form to say that you have a terminal illness. This provides evidence that you are eligible to apply under the special rules.
At the moment, it can only be used if you're applying for Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment.
Do I need a BASRiS form?
You may need a BASRiS form if:
- you would like to apply for Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment under the special rules and
- you live in Scotland, and
- you have a terminal illness.
If you've already applied for a different benefit using a DS1500 form and this has been accepted, you should not need to complete a BASRiS form as well.
Which benefits can a BASRiS form be used for?
A BASRiS form can be used if you're applying for Child Disability Payment (CDP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and you have a terminal illness.
Child Disability Payment (CDP)
CDP is a new benefit in Scotland – it's replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children with disabilities in Scotland. Find out more about CDP from mygov.scot.
Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
ADP is a new benefit in Scotland – it's replacing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland. It's now available for people:
- living with a disability or health condition, and
- aged between 16 and State Pension age, and
- living in Scotland.
Read more about Adult Disability Payment.
If you're not eligible for Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment, you will need to apply for another benefit and use the SR1 medical report form to apply under the special rules. See below for more information about other benefits you may be able to claim.
Even if you are applying under the special rules, you must still qualify for the benefit. Each benefit has different eligibility criteria.
What are the special rules for people with a terminal illness?
People living with a terminal illness may be able to apply for some benefits under the special rules. The special rules vary depending on which benefit you are claiming, but might mean that you:
- get faster, easier access to some benefits
- get the highest rate of some benefits
- do not need to have medical assessments.
To apply under the special rules, a healthcare professional needs to complete a form to confirm that you have a terminal illness. This is either a BASRiS form or SR1 medical report form, depending on which benefit you're applying for. Check which form you'll need here.
Do I qualify under the special rules?
If you're applying under the special rules in Scotland using a BASRiS form, you must:
- meet the eligibility criteria for the benefit you're applying for, and
- have a terminal illness.
To apply for benefits under the special rules using the BASRiS form, you must have a disease that gets worse over time and is expected to cause your death . There is no set time frame for how soon your death might be expected.
You can apply under the special rules if you have any illness or condition that is considered terminal, including cancer, organ failure, dementia, stroke, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and other conditions. These illnesses are not always terminal. If you have questions about your illness, it's best to speak with your healthcare professional.
If you're applying for a different benefit using an SR1 medical report form, the rules about who can apply under the special rules are different. Find out more about who qualifies for the special rules.
How can I claim CDP or ADP when I have a terminal illness?
- Check you're eligible for Child Disability Payment (CDP) (see mygov.scot ) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
- Complete your application for CDP or ADP, saying that you're claiming under the special rules for people with a terminal illness.
- Ask your doctor or nurse to complete a BASRiS form to confirm that you have a terminal illness.
- Your doctor or nurse should send the BASRiS form to Social Security Scotland.
Where do I get a BASRiS form?
Your GP, hospital or hospice should have a BASRiS form . Ask your doctor or nurse to complete a BASRiS form for you. If they do not have one, they can request or download it directly from Social Security Scotland.
If you're having trouble getting a BASRiS form from your doctor or nurse, you could share our benefits information for healthcare professionals. This has information about how they can order the forms, who can complete them and where to send them.
You do not have to pay for the form.
Who can complete a BASRiS form?
Your doctor or nurse can complete the form if they are involved in your diagnosis or care, and have the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience . There is more information about who can complete the form in The Scottish Government's guidance for doctors and nurses completing BASRiS form for terminal illness.
Where should I send the BASRiS form?
Your doctor or nurse should send or email the completed form to Social Security Scotland. If your doctor or nurse returns the form to you, you'll need to send it to: BASRiS, PO Box 27165, Glasgow G4 7BR.
You also need to apply for the benefit (for example, Adult Disability Payment) yourself, and say on the application that you are applying under the special rules for people with a terminal illness.
What if I'm not eligible for CDP or ADP?
If you're not eligible for Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), you might be able to apply for:
- Attendance Allowance – if you're State Pension age or older and need help caring for yourself. Find out your State Pension age at GOV.UK.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – if you're aged 16 or over, haven't yet reached State Pension age, need help with daily living or getting around, andlive in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- Carer's Allowance – if you regularly care for someone with a disability or health condition.
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – if you're under State Pension age and your illness makes it difficult or impossible to work.
- Universal Credit – if you're aged 18 or over (exceptions apply), you or your partner (if you have one) is below State Pension age, and you have a low income or are out of work.
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – for children with disabilities aged under 16 in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
You will also need your healthcare professional to fill in an SR1 medical report form if you're applying for one of these benefits under the special rules. If you've already completed a DS1500 form or BASRiS form for a different benefit, you might not need another one. Check with Social Security Scotland or the Department for Work and Pensions.
If you're not sure what you can apply for, you could:
• try our benefits calculator
• read our information on benefits for people affected by terminal illness
• call our Support Line on 0800 090 2309.
Where can I get more help?
The benefits system and finding out what you can claim can be confusing, so it's important you have the right information and advice. Here are some organisations that can provide further support:
- Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 provides general information about benefits and finances.
- Citizens Advice has trained advisers you can speak to and provides information on your rights, including benefits, housing, employment, debt, consumer and legal issues. Search the site for your nearest bureau in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- Turn2us has a search function to find benefits advisers in your area, and provides people with financial support and information on benefits and grants.
- Macmillan Cancer Support has welfare rights advisers you can speak to, and provides practical, medical and financial support for people affected by cancer.
Here at Marie Curie we cannot provide information about your specific benefit claim. For all queries about claims, you'll need to contact the relevant government department for your benefit. Contact details for each benefit can be found on the individual benefits pages.
See our list of useful organisations for more places to go for benefits advice and information.
Useful websites
mygov.scot - Adult Disability Payment
mygov.scot - Child Disability Payment
Further information for health and social care professionals
Social Security Scotland – information for professionals on when to complete a BASRiS form
The Scottish Government – guidance for doctors and nurses completing BASRiS form for terminal illness
Social Security Scotland – frequently asked questions about the BASRiS form
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About this information
This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.
