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Terminal illness stakeholder resources
Social Security Scotland can fast-track applications for disability benefits from terminally ill people once they have confirmation of the terminal diagnosis from a doctor or nurse.
The Scottish definition of terminal illness is different from the definition used by the UK Government. Terminally ill people can apply for Social Security Scotland's disability benefits under the Special Rules for Terminal Illness.
The special rules apply to
- Child Disability Payment
- Adult Disability Payment
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
Social Security Scotland fast-track these applications to provide terminally ill people who are eligible with the support they are entitled to as quickly as possible.
Find out more if you have a terminal illnessTerminal illness health professional resources
Scotland's doctors and nurses have a vital role to play in helping terminally ill people get faster access to the maximum possible disability benefit payment.
When someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness, a registered doctor or nurse involved in the patient's diagnosis and/or care should complete a Benefits Assessment Under Special Rules in Scotland (BASRiS) form as outlined in the Chief Medical Officer's guidence. This can be submitted directly to us, meaning we can quickly invite a terminally ill person to apply for a disability benefit.
Guidance for clinicians