If you're living with, or caring for someone with, a terminal illness in England or Wales, you may want to understand what benefits you can get.
In England and Wales, benefits are managed by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). On this page, we talk about England and Wales together. That’s because there’s little difference in the benefits or processes in these countries.
The special rules for terminal illness in England and Wales
If a healthcare professional thinks you may have 12 months or less to live, you may be able to:
- get some benefits faster
- get higher benefits payments
- fill out fewer forms
- not have an assessment.
England and Wales benefits for people living with a terminal illness
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment is extra money to help with living costs if:
- you have a long-term illness and
- find it hard to do some everyday tasks or get around because of it.
PIP is not means-tested. You can get PIP even if you work, have an income, or have savings.
Attendance Allowance (State Pension age or over)
Attendance Allowance is extra money if you’ve reached State Pension age and need help with personal care or support. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is extra money to help you with living costs if you’re on a low income, not currently working, or unable to work.
New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
New Style Employment and Support Allowance is extra money to help you with living costs if you’re unable to work due to a disability or health condition. Or to support you to get back into work, if you’re able to.
Council tax exemption for terminal illness
Some councils in England and Wales offer council tax exemption for people living with a terminal illness. It means a household does not have to pay council tax for a set amount of time.
Who can get a council tax exemption?
In some areas, a healthcare professional needs to say you have 12 months or less to live.
In other areas, you may also need to already claim Council Tax Support (also called Council Tax Reduction). This is a benefit to help people on low incomes or who get certain benefits to pay their council tax bill.
Contact your local council for the most up to date information.
| Council | 12 months or less to live | Gets Council Tax Support |
|---|---|---|
| Anglesey | ✓ | |
| Barnsley | ✓ | |
| Barnet | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blackburn with Darwen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bristol | ✓ | |
| Burnley | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cheshire West and Cheshire | ✓ | |
| Durham | ✓ | |
| Gateshead | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hull | ✓ | |
| Liverpool | ✓ | |
| Manchester | ✓ | |
| Milton Keynes | ✓ | |
| Newark and Sherwood | ✓ | ✓ |
| North Lincolnshire | ✓ | |
| Sefton | ✓ | |
| Wealden | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wirral | ✓ |
England and Wales benefits if you’re caring for someone with a terminal illness
You cannot claim carer benefits under the special rules. But they can still help with extra money for care costs.
Carers Allowance
Carers Allowance is extra money to help with care costs if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone. The person you care for must already get certain benefits.
Carer Premium
Carer Premium is extra money if you already get certain benefits for caring for someone. It's called Carer Addition when it’s added to Pension Credit (extra money for living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income). You do not need to apply – it's added automatically.
Carer’s Credit
Carer’s Credit does not give you any money. It gives you National Insurance credit if you care for someone for at least 20 hours a week and are aged 16 to State Pension age. This means you can receive benefits like your State Pension, when you reach State Pension age.
Benefits forms used in England and Wales
The SR1 form is used for benefits in England and Wales, if you’re applying under the special rules. You cannot order or download an SR1 form yourself. Your GP, hospital or hospice should have it.
Benefits support in England and Wales
You can contact the relevant DWP department to start your claim or get help. The phone numbers or online forms are on the GOV.UK website.
Benefits support in England
Call the Citizens Advice Adviceline on 0800 144 8848. They can talk to you about benefits you may be entitled to.
If you want help with claiming Universal Credit, call the Help to Claim team on 0800 144 8 444.
Benefits support in Wales
Call the Advicelink Cymru helpline on 0800 702 2020. They can talk to you about benefits you may be entitled to.
If you want help with claiming Universal Credit, call the Help to Claim team on 0800 024 1220.