End-of-life special rules
There is a different, faster way to claim Attendance Allowance for someone who is nearing the end of life. GOV.UK calls these the special rules for end of life, and they change almost every part of the ordinary claim: the qualifying period, the rate, the assessment, and even who can make the claim.
Who qualifies under the special rules
The rules apply where a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live. That is the only test that matters for this route: the ordinary 6-month qualifying period is waived, and the day-and-night test does not apply. It can be difficult to predict how long someone might live, and GOV.UK notes that if a medical professional has not raised the subject, you can still ask them to support a claim under the special rules.
What you get, and how it differs
| Feature | Ordinary claim | Special rules claim |
|---|---|---|
| Rate | Lower or higher, by the day-and-night test | Higher rate £114.60 a week, automatically |
| 6-month qualifying period | Applies | Waived |
| Face-to-face assessment | Only if the position is unclear | Not required |
| Who can claim | The claimant | Someone else can claim for you, without your permission |
| What the award letter says | States the rate | Does not mention "special rules" |
How to claim under the special rules
Ask a medical professional for form SR1. They will either fill it in and give it to you or send it directly to the DWP. Then apply for Attendance Allowance online or by post, in the usual way. There is no face-to-face assessment. The claim otherwise follows the ordinary route — the same helpline, the same form, the same decision letter — except that the award is at the higher rate and arrives without the usual waits. If you already get Attendance Allowance at the lower rate and a medical professional then says you might have 12 months or less to live, contact the helpline straight away: the higher rate can apply from that point, and delay costs money.