Hi. I am helping a client who is suffering with Cirrhosis of liver due to a combination of autoimmune hepititis and Hep C. She has been assessed and put on the transplant list. My limited understanding of this would lead me to believe she may qualify for highest rate care under the special rules. Her life would reasonably be at risk if a suitable doner isn't found..

Any advice / opinion welcome.

The special rules apply if the claimant has a progressive disease (which she does) and death in consequence of that disease can reasonably be expected within six months.

This doesn't mean that death will occur within six months, rather that it would not be unexpected.

I have no knowledge of transplants or wait times but even if someone could say with certainty - which I suspect is highly unlikely - that a new organ will become available within six months, the uncertainty over transplants (availability of organs, chance of rejection, infection, other complications, etc) would, IMO, means that the fact an organ might be available does not immediately alter the prospects for the client.

On that basis, if a consultant or other suitable health professional is prepared to sign the DS1500, I would go ahead and make the claim.