At its core, the DS1500 form plays a crucial role for individuals faced with terminal illnesses, facilitating their access to critical financial support through Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance (AA). Crafted with sensitivity to the pressing needs of this vulnerable group, the form's completion by medical professionals such as a GP, Consultant, hospital doctor, or specialist nurse acts as a testament to the impending severity of the patient's condition, predicting a life expectancy of no more than six months. Crucially, this does not demand a prognosis over 50% certainty but merely that the patient's passing within this timeframe would not catch those involved by surprise. It's imperative to note, however, that the DS1500 is not in itself a claim form; it accompanies a claim form where the provision for 'Special Rules' must be explicitly indicated to ensure processing and the successful awarding of benefits. Individuals whose conditions meet the criteria are afforded expedited access to higher rates of financial support, recognizing the heightened care needs and constraints faced. Furthermore, the process acknowledges the possibility of circumstances where benefit claims under Special Rules may not be immediately accepted, outlining a recourse that includes a review of the claim under standard rules, potentially involving further medical assessments. This avenue, while daunting, preserves the right to appeal, reinforcing the system’s underlying objective to accommodate the complexity and unpredictability of terminal illness. Additionally, the DS1500 form encompasses provisions for existing beneficiaries seeking to elevate their level of support under these compelling circumstances, ensuring that the system remains responsive and adaptable to the evolving needs of those it serves.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Ds1500 Form |
| Form Length | 1 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 15 sec |
| Other names | how to order ds1500 forms for gp, ds1500 online, what is a ds1500 form, ds1500 form download |
FORM DS1500
This is a form, completed by a GP, Consultant, hospital doctor or specialist nurse, which enables someone who is terminally ill to claim
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance (AA) under what the DWP calls “Special Rules.”
It is appropriate to complete the form if the patient’s death can
“reasonably be expected” within the next 6 months. This does not mean it must be more likely than not, simply that death within 6 months would not be unexpected.
This is not a claim form and an appropriate claim form needs to be submitted with the special rules box ticked. If a DS1500 is sent directly to the Disability Benefits Centre without a claim form it will not be processed and benefit will not be awarded.
If a patient passes the “terminal illness” test they will automatically
receive the higher rate of AA (if 65 or over when claiming) or the high rate care component of DLA (if under 65) from the date of the claim. The benefit is usually backdated, though it sometimes starts from the date of the DS1500 if that
The person who is terminally ill (claimant) does not have to sign the form. Another person (e.g. carer, adviser or GP) can claim benefit on their behalf but a proper form must always be completed and the Special
Rules box ticked.
If the patient is already receiving benefit at a lower rate, a new form
does not have to be completed. The DS1500 should then be sent to the DLA/AA office with a letter asking for the award to be “superseded under the special rules”.
Sometimes the DWP does not accept that the special rules apply, even when a DS1500 has been completed. They will consider the claim under the ordinary rules and will probably ask the claimant for more information about how their illness affects them. They might send one of their own doctors to visit and examine the claimant. If the decision is negative the claimant can appeal. If an award is made under the Special rules it is made for 3 years, after which time it will be reviewed if the claimant is still alive.