The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued guidance on submitting SR1 medical evidence forms. These forms are used to support benefit claims made under the Special Rules for end of life, which can offer quicker access to certain benefits, potentially higher payments, and may remove the need for a medical assessment.
To complete an SR1 form, a patient must have a progressive disease, and the medical professional would not be surprised if they were to live for less than 12 months as a consequence of that disease. Eligible medical professionals include consultants, general practitioners, hospice doctors, senior specialist nurses, and specialty doctors.
SR1 forms can be sent to the DWP online, by email, or by post. General practitioners and GMC-registered consultants are eligible to claim a fee for completing an SR1 form. The DWP has confirmed there are no negative consequences for either the clinician or the patient if a patient claiming under the Special Rules lives longer than anticipated.