DS 1500

Last edited 03/2021 and last reviewed 03/2021

A form DS 1500 should be issued if requested by a patient (or their representative) if you consider that the patient may be suffering from a potentially terminal illness. The DS 1500 should be handed to the patient or their representative and not sent directly to the DWP. A fee is payable by the DWP for the completion of this form, which is supplied in booklets by the Department on written application. The DS 1500 asks for factual information and does not require you to give a prognosis.

• the DS 1500 report should contain details of:
  • diagnosis - also whether the patient is aware of their condition and if unaware, the name and address of the patient's representative requesting the DS1500
  • current and proposed treatment
  • brief details of clinical findings

How this form will be used by DWP

• the DS1500 allows you to provide further evidence to enable us to make a decision on your patient's claim. It is not a claim form, as you cannot claim on behalf of your patients. It will not normally be necessary for you to examine the patient. You may use your own knowledge and the patient's records to get the information you need.
• This form can be completed by a registered clinician such as:
  • a GP
  • hospital doctor
  • registered nurse
• The registered nurse needs to have acquired the expert knowledge and clinical competencies to undertake the assessment. They may be working in a role such as an advanced nurse practitioner, a Macmillan nurse, a clinical specialist nurse or a practice nurse with expertise in long term conditions management.

Obtaining Blank DS1500 Forms (2)

• Requests must be made on the doctor's headed notepaper and either faxing your order to 0161 495 4840 or emailing it to [email protected]. If you have any questions about this, please ring the APS helpline on 0161 495 4979:
  • your surgery/hospital/office postal address and telephone number
  • a list of medical professionals using the same NHS.net e-mail address who complete the DS1500 and/or DS1500 fee form
  • please advise where you require the DS1500 and DS1500 fee form, or the DS1500 ONLY
  • send these details to: [email protected]
    
    
• Do not encrypt any part of the e-mail. Any e-mail from a non-NHS.net account will be automatically deleted. If you do not have an NHS.net e-mail address, contact your local IT helpdesk to request an account. More information can be found at http://systems.hscic.gov.uk/nhsmail

Notes:

• terminal illness is defined in Social Security legislation as: 'a progressive disease where death as a consequence of that disease can reasonably be expected within 6 months'. If a patient is suffering from such an illness can claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance (AA) or Incapacity Benefit (IB) under what are called 'special rules'.
• to be eligible for DLA or AA for help with personal care, a person usually has to show that they need help to look after themselves. Under 'special rules' someone who is terminally ill can get:
  • DLA or AA without having to satisfy a qualifying period
  • DLA or AA paid at the highest rate of care even if they do not need help looking after themselves
• if a patient is claiming IB then a person who is terminally ill and incapable of work can get the highest rate of benefit after 28 weeks instead of 52 weeks sickness

Reference:

1. Department of Work and Pensions (UK). IB204 (August 2004).
2. DWP Medical (factual) reports: A guide to completion Updated 23 August 2019