If you're living with, or caring for someone with, a terminal illness in Northern Ireland, you may want to understand what benefits you can get. In Northern Ireland, many benefits are managed by the Department for Communities.
The special rules for terminal illness in Northern Ireland
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.
If you live longer than 12 months, your benefits will continue. But your claim might be reviewed after three years.
Northern Ireland benefits for people living with a terminal illness
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 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. You can get Attendance Allowance even if you work, have an income, or have savings.
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.
In Northern Ireland, you can choose to get your Universal Credit payment once or twice a month.
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 because of a disability or health condition. Or to support you to get back into work, if you’re able to.
Northern Ireland 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.
Benefits forms used in Northern Ireland
The SR1 medical report form is used for benefits 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 Northern Ireland
You can contact the relevant government department to start your claim or get help. The phone numbers or online forms are on the nidirect website.
Or call 0800 232 1271 to speak to the Make the Call team. They can help make sure you're getting all the benefits, services and support you’re entitled to.