What is an SR1 medical report form for benefits?
The SR1 form has replaced the DS1500 form
The SR1 form has now replaced the DS1500 form when applying for the relevant benefits under the special rules.
If you're living with a terminal illness and applying for certain benefits, you might have been told you need an SR1 medical report form. We know the application process can be confusing – on this page we tell you everything you need to know about the SR1 medical report form, and how to apply for benefits under the special rules.
The SR1 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 BASRiS form (which is only used in Scotland).
If you're a healthcare professional, please visit our benefits information for healthcare professionals.
On this page:
What is an SR1 form?
The SR1 medical report form is a new form that can be used when people with a terminal illness are applying for specific benefits under the special rules.
Your healthcare professional fills out the SR1 medical report form to say that you have a terminal illness. This provides evidence that you are eligible to apply under the special rules.
Do I need an SR1 form?
You may need an SR1 medical report form if you're claiming certain benefits under the special rules for people with a terminal illness. Which form you need depends on which benefit you're applying for.
Which benefits can an SR1 form be used for?
You need an SR1 medical report form if you're applying for any of the following benefits under the special rules:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children
- Universal Credit.
Even if you are applying under the special rules, you must still qualify for the benefit. Each benefit has different eligibility criteria.
If you're living with a terminal illness and you're not sure which benefits you're entitled to, visit our information on benefits for people affected by terminal illness.
What are the special rules for 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 any 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 an SR1 medical report form, or a BASRiS form, depending on which benefit you're applying for. Check which form you'll need on our page about the special rules.
Do I qualify under the special rules?
If you're applying under the special rules, you must:
- meet the eligibility criteria for the benefit you're applying for, and
- have a terminal illness.
Who can apply under the special rules varies depending on where you live and which benefit you're applying for. Find out more about who qualifies for the special rules.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can apply under the special rules if you are living with a terminal illness and are likely to have less than 12 months to live.
In Scotland, you can apply under the special rules if you have a terminal illness diagnosis. Find out what Social Security Scotland means by terminal illness on the mygov.scot website.
Illnesses or conditions that can be considered terminal include 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.
Find out more about what terminal illness means.
How can I claim benefits when I have a terminal illness?
- Check you're eligible for the benefit.
- Complete your application, saying that you're claiming under the special rules for terminal illness. You can find information about how to claim on the separate pages for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Universal Credit.
- Ask your healthcare professional to complete an SR1 medical report form or BASRiS form to confirm that you have a terminal illness. Check which form you'll need on our page about the special rules.
- Your doctor or nurse should send the form to the relevant government department.
Where do I get an SR1 form from?
Members of the public cannot order or download SR1 medical report forms. Unfortunately, Marie Curie also cannot provide these. Your GP, hospital or hospice should have an SR1 medical report form. Ask your healthcare professional to complete the form for you. If they do not have one, they can order these from GOV.UK.
If you're having trouble getting an SR1 form from your healthcare professional, 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 an SR1 form?
The SR1 form can be completed by a registered clinician such as:
- a hospital consultant
- a GP
- a hospice doctor
- a registered nurse.
A registered nurse needs to have the relevant knowledge and expertise to carry out the assessment. They may be working in a role such as an advanced nurse practitioner, Macmillan nurse, clinical nurse specialist or practice nurse with expertise in the management of long-term conditions.
The form cannot be completed by patients, their friends or family members. It must be completed by a healthcare professional listed above.
Where should I send an SR1 form?
Your doctor or nurse should email or post the form to the relevant government department.
If the form is returned to you, you will need to post it to the relevant address. If you do not know where to send it, contact the helpline of the benefit you are applying for.
You also need to apply for the benefit (for example, Universal Credit) yourself, and say on the application that you are applying under the special rules for people with a terminal illness.
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.
- Marie Curie benefits calculator – a free tool to help you work out which benefits you can claim.
- Citizens Advice – has advisers you can speak to and help pages on its website about how to fill in benefit claim forms.
- Turn2us has a search function to find benefits advisers in your area, and information about benefits on its website.
- Macmillan Cancer Support – has advisers you can speak to, and information about benefits on its website 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. A list of relevant benefits can be found on the page What benefits can I claim?
Useful websites
nidirect – Benefits if you're living with a terminal illness
GOV.UK - The 'Special Rules': how the benefit system supports people nearing the end of life
See our list of useful organisations for more places to go for benefits advice and information.
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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.
