PIP - Personal Independence Payment Special Rules for End of Life Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A claimant's consultant completes an SR1 form, stating the claimant has a progressive disease and their death can reasonably be expected within 12 months. The claimant has significant mobility needs. Under the Special Rules for End of Life (SRTI), what PIP award will the claimant receive?
- The enhanced rate of the daily living component, with the mobility component assessed based on their needs. (Correct answer)
- The enhanced rate for both the daily living and mobility components automatically.
- The standard rate for both the daily living and mobility components.
- The enhanced rate of the mobility component only, with the daily living component being subject to a full assessment.
Correct answer: The enhanced rate of the daily living component, with the mobility component assessed based on their needs.
Under the Special Rules for End of Life, a claimant is automatically entitled to the enhanced rate of the daily living component. The mobility component, however, is not automatic and is still assessed based on the claimant's individual needs, although this is usually done without a face-to-face assessment.
Question 2: For a PIP claim to be processed under the Special Rules for End of Life, what is the defined prognosis for the claimant?
- Their death can be reasonably expected within 3 months.
- They have been diagnosed with a stage 4 cancer.
- Their death can be reasonably expected within 12 months. (Correct answer)
- They have been admitted to a hospice for palliative care.
Correct answer: Their death can be reasonably expected within 12 months.
The definition for a terminal illness under the PIP Special Rules is that the person has a progressive disease and, as a consequence of that disease, their death can reasonably be expected within 12 months. This timeframe was updated from a previous 6-month rule.
Question 3: Which of the following standard PIP processes is waived for a claim made under the Special Rules for End of Life?
- The requirement to have a National Insurance number.
- The requirement to meet the residency and presence tests.
- The requirement to complete the 'How your disability affects you' (PIP2) form and attend a face-to-face assessment. (Correct answer)
- The requirement to be aged 16 or over.
Correct answer: The requirement to complete the 'How your disability affects you' (PIP2) form and attend a face-to-face assessment.
Claims under the Special Rules for End of Life are fast-tracked. This means the claimant does not have to complete the detailed PIP2 form or attend a face-to-face assessment. The claim is decided based on the medical evidence provided, usually on an SR1 form.
Question 4: A hospice nurse wishes to initiate a PIP claim for a patient under the Special Rules for End of Life. What is the primary piece of medical evidence they must arrange to support this claim?
- A detailed letter from the patient's GP outlining their full medical history.
- An SR1 form completed by a doctor, specialist, or registered nurse. (Correct answer)
- A copy of the patient's 'Do Not Resuscitate' order.
- The patient's most recent hospital discharge summary.
Correct answer: An SR1 form completed by a doctor, specialist, or registered nurse.
The key piece of medical evidence for a claim under the special rules is the SR1 form (which replaced the DS1500). This form provides the DWP with confirmation from a medical professional that the person has a progressive disease and is not expected to live for more than 12 months.
Question 5: A claimant qualifies for PIP under the Special Rules for End of Life. How does this affect the standard 'qualifying period' for the benefit?
- The qualifying period is reduced from three months to one month.
- The qualifying period does not apply to the daily living component but still applies to the mobility component.
- The qualifying period is completely waived for both the daily living and mobility components. (Correct answer)
- The claimant must still satisfy the full three-month qualifying period.
Correct answer: The qualifying period is completely waived for both the daily living and mobility components.
For claims made under the Special Rules for End of Life, the normal qualifying period (having the condition for 3 months and expecting it to last for another 9) is waived for both the daily living and mobility components, allowing the claim to be paid much more quickly.
Question 6: If a third party, such as a Macmillan nurse or a family member, calls the DWP to start a PIP claim under the Special Rules for a claimant, which of the following is true?
- The claimant must be present and give verbal permission during the call.
- The third party must have a formal Power of Attorney to make the call.
- The claimant must have already passed away for the claim to be backdated.
- The third party can make the call without the claimant being present, and the claimant does not need to be told the claim is under the special rules. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The third party can make the call without the claimant being present, and the claimant does not need to be told the claim is under the special rules.
A third party can make the claim call on the claimant's behalf without them needing to be present. The DWP guidance also states that the claimant does not need to be told that the claim is being made under the 'end of life' rules, to avoid causing distress.
PIP - Personal Independence Payment Special Rules for End of Life Questions and Answers
A claimant's consultant completes an SR1 form, stating the claimant has a progressive disease and their death can reasonably be expected within 12 months.
The claimant has significant mobility needs.
Under the Special Rules for End of Life (SRTI), what PIP award will the claimant receive?