SR1 Forms – Why Primary Care IT Does Not Provide SR1 Templates

Introduction

Primary Care IT (PCIT) does not provide downloadable SR1 forms or embedded SR1 templates within our systems.

This is because the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides a dedicated national process for the completion and submission of SR1 forms, including an official online submission portal and associated guidance for healthcare professionals.

Instead of creating local copies or alternative templates, we recommend users access the official GOV.UK resources directly to ensure they are always using the latest nationally approved process and documentation.

What is an SR1 Form?

The SR1 form is used to provide medical evidence in support of a benefit claim made under the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL).

The Special Rules are designed to help people nearing the end of life access benefits more quickly and with reduced administrative burden. In most cases, this allows eligible patients to:

• Access benefits faster
• Receive higher benefit payments
• Avoid face-to-face medical assessments

The SR1 form replaced the previous DS1500 process.

Why PCIT Does Not Provide SR1 Forms

✅ Nationally Managed Process

The SR1 process is centrally managed by the DWP through GOV.UK, including:

• Online submission services
• Electronic SR1 forms
• Submission guidance
• Fee claim processes
• Eligibility criteria
• Updates to legislation and operational rules

Because the process is maintained nationally, providing locally stored copies risks users accessing outdated information or superseded forms.

✅ The Official Online Portal Is the Recommended Route

The DWP now provides an official online SR1 submission service for healthcare professionals.

Official portal:

Send SR1 Form Online

The online service allows clinicians to:

• Submit forms securely
• Receive confirmation immediately
• Download completed copies
• Access built-in guidance
• Avoid printing or scanning paperwork

✅ Guidance Changes Regularly

Eligibility rules and operational guidance for Special Rules claims have evolved significantly in recent years, including:

• The move from DS1500 to SR1
• Expansion from a 6-month to 12-month end-of-life criteria
• Alignment with NHS end-of-life definitions
• Changes to eligible benefits and submission methods

Directing users to GOV.UK helps ensure clinicians always access the latest national guidance.

✅ Reduced Clinical Governance Risk

Using the official DWP service reduces risks associated with:

• Using outdated forms
• Submitting incomplete information
• Sending forms via incorrect routes
• Missing updated eligibility criteria

This supports safer and more consistent national processing.

Official Guidance for Healthcare Professionals

Primary Care IT recommends clinicians use the following official guidance:

GOV.UK – Send an SR1 Medical Evidence Form

Open SR1 Submission Guidance

GOV.UK – Special Rules Guidance for Healthcare Professionals

Open DWP Healthcare Professional Guidance

GOV.UK – Patient Information About Benefits Nearing End of Life

Open Patient Guidance

Who Can Complete an SR1 Form?

According to DWP guidance, SR1 forms can be completed by registered healthcare professionals such as:

• GPs
• Consultants
• Hospice doctors
• Specialty doctors
• Senior specialist nurses

Important Clinical Considerations

The DWP advises that clinicians should complete an SR1 form promptly where a patient:

• Has a progressive disease, and
• As a consequence of that disease, it would not be surprising if they were to die within 12 months

Importantly:

• The Special Rules are not limited to cancer diagnoses
• There are no negative consequences if a patient lives longer than expected

PCIT Hints and Tips

💡 The SR1 form itself is not a benefits application — it provides supporting medical evidence for a benefits claim.

💡 Only one SR1 form is usually required even if the patient is applying for multiple eligible benefits.

💡 The online submission route is typically quicker and easier than paper processes.

💡 Patients may not always fully understand the implications of “Special Rules” eligibility, so completion of an SR1 form may naturally form part of wider advance care planning discussions.

Whole Service Summary

Primary Care IT does not provide local SR1 templates because the SR1 process is managed nationally by the DWP through GOV.UK. Users should access the official online portal and guidance to ensure they are using the latest approved forms, eligibility criteria, and submission routes for Special Rules end-of-life benefit claims.