Special circumstances: eligibility criteria and how to apply

What this article is about
This article explains what special circumstances are, when they may be considered, and how to apply.

Who this is for
Doctors and dentists in training who believe personal, health, caring or other significant circumstances may need to be considered when planning placements or training arrangements.

What you need to know

• Special circumstances are considered through a defined process and are not automatically approved.
• They may relate to health, disability, caring responsibilities, parental responsibilities or other significant personal circumstances.
• Applications must normally include evidence to support the request.
• A special circumstances approval does not guarantee a specific placement, site, rota or working pattern.
• Placement decisions must still take account of training requirements, available posts, service needs and programme requirements.
• Special circumstances are separate from other processes such as LTFT, OOP, IDT, Supported Return to Training and employer workplace adjustment processes.

What to do

1. Check whether your circumstances fit the special circumstances process.
2. Gather relevant evidence before submitting your request.
3. Submit your application through the appropriate support route.
4. Include your full name, professional registration number, specialty, training level and the change or support you are requesting.
5. Explain clearly how your circumstances affect your training or placement arrangements.
6. Respond promptly if further information is requested.
7. Wait for confirmation before assuming any placement or rota change has been agreed.

If this does not work
If your circumstances are urgent, or you are unsure which process applies, raise a query through the PGMDE Support Portal and ask for advice on the correct route.

Who to contact
Use the PGMDE Support Portal for special circumstances queries.

What HET can and cannot help with
HET can help with

• Reviewing special circumstances requests through the appropriate process.
• Recording relevant information where this is needed for placement or training planning.
• Liaising with specialty or programme teams where appropriate.
• Advising whether another process may be more suitable.

HET cannot help with

• Guaranteeing a preferred placement, rota, employer or location.
• Approving employer HR, pay, sickness absence or rota decisions.
• Providing occupational health, legal, immigration or financial advice.
• Treating special circumstances approval as automatic approval for LTFT, OOP, IDT or other separate processes.

Related articles

• Evidence and documentation needed for a special circumstances application
• How special circumstances applications affect placements and rotations
• IDT and special circumstances: how they interact

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 19 June 2026