Scotland benefits for people affected by terminal illness

If you're living with, or caring for someone with, a terminal illness in Scotland, you may want to understand what benefits you can get. In Scotland, many benefits are managed by Social Security Scotland.

In Scotland, the definition of terminal illness when applying for benefits. A healthcare professional only needs to confirm that you have a terminal illness. They do not need to estimate how long you will live for.

You may be able to get some benefits faster and with higher payments. The benefits will be awarded for the rest of your life, unless your circumstances change.

If you have a terminal illness and apply for benefits under the special rules, your doctor or nurse must fill out a BASRiS or SR1 medical report form (see Benefits forms used in Scotland below).

Adult Disability Payment (ADP) is extra money to help you if you have a disability or long-term health condition. The amount you get depends on how your condition affects your ability to do everyday tasks and get around.

ADP is not means-tested. You can get ADP even if you work, have an income, or have savings.

Pension Age Disability Payment is extra money if you have reached State Pension age and have care needs because of a disability or long-term health condition.

Universal Credit is extra money to help you with living costs if you are on a low income, not currently working, or unable to work.

In Scotland, you can choose to get your Universal Credit payment either once or twice a month.

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.

You cannot claim carer benefits under the special rules. But they can still help with extra money for care costs.

Carer Support Payment is extra money to help with care costs. The person you care for must already get certain benefits.

It’s counted as income for certain UK-wide benefits, which may reduce the amount you get from those benefits.

Scottish Carer Supplement is an extra payment on top of your Carer Support Payment. It’s replaced Carer’s Allowance Supplement. You do not need to apply – it's added automatically.

Carer Additional Person Payment is extra money if you care for more than one person.

Young Carer Grant is extra money if you’re aged 16 to 19 and caring for someone. What you spend the money on is up to you.

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.

The BASRiS form is used for Scottish benefits if you’re applying under the special rules, including:

You cannot order or download a BASRiS form yourself. Your GP, hospital or hospice should have it.

The SR1 form is used for UK‑wide benefits if you’re applying under the special rules, including:

You cannot order or download an SR1 form yourself. Your GP, hospital or hospice should have it.

You can contact the relevant government department to start your claim or get help. The phone numbers or online forms are on the mygov.scot and GOV.UK websites.

Contact the Money Talk team using their online chatbot or by calling your local Citizens Advice Bureaux on 0800 028 1456.

If you want help with claiming Universal Credit, call the Help to Claim team on 0800 023 2581.