Devolved disability benefits evaluation: Special Rules for Terminal Illness (SRTI) - commissioned research report – annex A

Appendix A: Logic model

Policy Principles

• No requirement for 12-month life expectancy – clinician judgement in line with CMO Guidance
• Simpler application form with completed Benefits Assessment under Special Rules in Scotland BASRiS (or equivalent).
• Fast-tracked applications with aim of making decision within seven working days
• No reviews unless a change in circumstances
• Awards can be backdated to terminal illness diagnosis date, up to a maximum of 26 weeks before application date
• Client is automatically awarded highest rate/s they are entitled to
• Weekly in advance payment
• No need for client to contact clinician for BASRiS – clinicians can submit this directly to social Security Scotland or clients can ask Social Security Scotland to contact their clinician
• Award transferred from DWP via an expedited process where this is beneficial to the client. Client receives highest rate/s they are entitled to upon completion of case transfer
• Implementation of the Scottish terminal illness definition and associated CMO guidance

Short-term process outcomes

• Guidance (including signposting) for clients is clear and easily understood
• Application form is clear and easily understood
• Advisors are aware and understand SRTI process, and communicate this to terminally ill individuals (or their representatives)
• Eligible applications come in through the SRTI route
• Applications which do not come in through the SRTI route are identified and actioned quickly
• Payments and processing times are in line with policy commitments for applications through the SRTI route
• SRTI process is clear and easy for clinicians
• Process is correctly followed by clinicians

Short-term outcomes

• Terminally ill individuals (or their representatives) are aware of, and understand, the SRTI process
• Terminally ill individuals (or their representatives) are not worried about applying for disability benefits
• Terminally ill individuals feel they have been treated with dignity, fairness and respect
• Terminally ill individuals are provided with the support they are entitled to, when they need it

Medium-term outcomes

• Barriers to applying for disability benefits are reduced
• Trust in Social Security Scotland is increased
• Reduced money-related stress
• Reduced pressure on household finances

Long-term outcomes

• Human rights are respected and protected
• The take up of benefits is maximised
• Poverty is reduced