Disability Benefits – Special Rules For Terminal Illness – Update event

In November 2021 Child Disability Payment launched nationally in Scotland. Child Disability Payment replaces Disability Living Allowance for children. This was followed in August 2022 by the launch of Adult Disability Payment, the Scottish Government replacement for Personal Independence Payment. The Scottish definition of terminal illness is now different from the definition used by the UK Government. There is a new process in place for individuals to apply under the special rules for terminal illness. Social Security Scotland fast-track applications to provide terminally ill people with the support they are entitled to as quickly as possible.

Guidance published by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Chief Medical Officer Guidance, informs Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) in Scotland how to use their clinical judgement to determine whether an individual is terminally ill for the purpose of accessing disability assistance. An individual is terminally ill when they have a progressive disease that can reasonably be expected to cause their death. The special rules for terminal illness apply to Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment.

This free online information event is for professionals who support people who may be eligible to apply for disability assistance under our fast-track Special Rules for Terminal Illness process and for clinicians completing the Benefits Assessment Under Special Rules in Scotland (BASRiS) form.

This may be of particular interest to Health & Social Care Professionals including those responsible for organising and planning end of life and palliative care for individuals who have a terminal illness. It will also be of interest to Primary Care professionals including General Practitioners, Practice Managers and Practice Nursing Staff. Acute care specialist nurses, palliative and end of life care practitioners, hospice welfare support staff, welfare rights advisors, advocates, third sector organisations and anyone supporting individuals who have a terminal illness will also find the session relevant.

This event will include a general overview of the following topics:

• Update on Benefits Assessment Under Special Rules in Scotland (BASRiS) form

• Process for claiming fee payment for BASRiS completion

• Whitelist approval process

• Dedicated Client Advisors

• Chief Medical Officer (CMO) guidance

• Escalation and feedback routes