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 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.

It can be used if you're applying for certain benefits (see Which benefits can a BASRiS form be used for? below).

You may need a BASRiS form if:

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.

A BASRiS form can be used if you're applying for:

If you’re already receiving Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (Scottish Adult DLA), a BASRiS form can be used to show you’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Even if you are applying under the special rules, you must still qualify for the benefit. Each benefit has different eligibility criteria.

CDP is a new benefit in Scotland – it's replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children with disabilities in Scotland.

ADP is a new benefit in Scotland – it's replacing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland. It's now available for people:

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.

Pension Age Disability Payment is replacing Attendance Allowance in Scotland. It’s for people who have:

If you’re already receiving Attendance Allowance, you do not need to do anything. Your benefit will switch automatically.

Scottish Adult DLA is replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in Scotland. From March 2025, any adults living in Scotland still receiving DLA will have their award moved to Scottish Adult DLA. You cannot apply for Scottish Adult DLA.

You do not need to do anything to start the move. Your award will move automatically. If you’re newly diagnosed with a terminal illness after your benefit has moved, contact Social Security Scotland to let them know.

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:

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.

If you're applying under the special rules in Scotland using a BASRiS form, you must:

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.

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.

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.

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.

The benefits system and finding out what you can claim can be confusing, so it's important you have the right information and advice.

If you're not sure what you can apply for, you could:

Some benefits can affect the other benefits that you or the person you care for get. See some organisations that can provide further support using the links below.

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.