The latest figures from Social Security Scotland show that by the end of October 2022, merely 3,500 people across Scotland were receiving Adult Disability Payment. The new disability benefit is replacing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for existing claimants aged under 65 on April 8, 2013.
The devolved benefit has already replaced PIP for new claims since the end of August last year and is designed to help cover the extra costs for someone living with a disability, having a long-term health condition (physical or mental) or a terminal illness. Social Security Scotland, which delivers the payment every four weeks, recently confirmed a total of £6.6 million has been paid to thousands of adults since the benefit launched in March 2022.
Scotland's welfare department also said that the most common age group for claimants was 55-64, representing 25 per cent of applications made. Around three per cent of applications were from those aged 16-18.
Last year, the Scottish Government changed the eligibility criteria so people who receive Child Disability Payment could continue to do so up until they turn 18.
Interestingly and probably encouragingly for new claimants, Social Security Scotland has awarded the enhanced rate of both the daily living part and mobility part at more than twice the rate of standard rate.
Initial daily living award
- Enhanced rate: 70%
- Standard rate: 30%
Initial mobility award
- Enhanced rate: 66%
- Standard rate: 34%
What is Adult Disability Payment and should I make a claim?
Below is a quick overview of the benefit, you can find a full list of the main health conditions being supported by PIP here, these are also supported by Adult Disability Payment.
Social Security Scotland processing times for new claims is currently taking 16 weeks, however, all successful claims are backdated to the date of application.
Daily living and mobility components
Adult Disability Payment is made up of two parts:
- Daily living
- Mobility
You may qualify for one or both parts. The amount you get depends on how your condition affects your ability to do everyday activities and get around.
Daily living part
You may qualify for the daily living part if you need help with:
- preparing food
- taking nutrition (eating and drinking)
- managing therapy or monitoring a health condition
- washing and bathing
- managing toilet needs or incontinence
- dressing and undressing
- communicating verbally
- reading and understanding signs, symbols and words
- engaging socially with other people face to face
- making budgeting decisions
How much you could get each week
Payments of the daily living and mobility component are paid every four weeks.
If you are terminally ill you will automatically get the enhanced daily living award.
If you're awarded the daily living part you will get either:
- Standard award - £61.85
- Enhanced award - £92.40
Mobility part
You may qualify for the mobility part if you need help with planning and following a journey, or moving around.
How much you will get each week
If you're awarded the mobility part you will get either:
- Standard award - £24.45
- Enhanced award - £64.50
If you get an enhanced award for the mobility part, you can apply to lease an accessible vehicle - find out more here.
Successful claimants could receive financial support of between £24.45 and £156.90 each week and as the benefit is paid every four weeks, this amounts to between £97.80 and £627.60 every payment period.
Who can apply for Adult Disability Payment?
You can apply for Adult Disability Payment if you have either a:
- disability or long-term physical or mental health condition
- terminal illness
Key points to note:
- You can still apply if you're waiting for a diagnosis
- You need to be between 16 and State Pension age
- You cannot get PIP and Adult Disability Payment at the same time
Check if you qualify for Adult Disability Payment
You can apply for Adult Disability Payment if you have a disability or long-term health condition that affects your everyday life.
You can check if you meet the other requirements to qualify for Adult Disability Payment before you start an application.
Social Security Scotland will ask you questions about:
- where you live
- any restrictions on your right to live in the UK
- if you're on other benefits
- your age
At this stage, they will not ask about your disability or health condition.
What you need to apply for Adult Disability Payment
You can choose to apply for Adult Disability Payment online or by phone and paper. There are two parts to the Adult Disability Payment application.
Completing part one
Part one asks for your personal details.
It will help you to complete part one if you have:
- your personal details, such as date of birth and main address
- your National Insurance number - you can find this on your National Insurance card, a social security letter, payslip, P60 or P45
- your bank, building society or credit union account details
You can still apply for Adult Disability Payment if you do not have a bank, building society or credit union account. If your application is successful, you will need to contact Social Security Scotland to agree how you want them to pay you.
Completing part two
Part two asks you about:
- your condition and how it affects your ability to look after yourself, understand information, and communicate with other people
- what help and support you need and why
- how you move around outdoors
- any medication, treatment or equipment you need
Guidance from Social Security Scotland states: “It can take a long time to complete part two but you do not have to do it all at once.”
It will help you to complete part two if you have:
- information about your condition or your symptoms, if you're still waiting for a diagnosis
- information about any medical tests you have had, and the results if you have them
- contact details for your GP
- contact details for anyone else who could give more information about your condition, such as a family member or someone who looks after you
Questions you will be asked
You can download documents showing the questions you’ll be asked when applying for Adult Disability Payment here.
Supporting information
Supporting information is information that describes how your condition currently affects you and what support you need. Social Security Scotland uses supporting information to help them understand your application and make a decision.
You can provide any information you think will be helpful, however supporting information is usually copies of documents that you may have already, for example:
- social care assessments
- medical reports, letters or certificates
- prescription lists that show the medication you take
- test results
You can provide documents or Social Security Scotland can gather information on your behalf.
Find out more about supporting information here.
How long you have to apply
Once you have completed part one of the Adult Disability Payment application, you must complete part two within 56 days (eight weeks).
If you're applying online, you can save your application and continue when it suits you within the eight-week period.
You can ask Social Security Scotland for more time to complete part two if you need it and you do not have to give a reason.
You do not need to wait until you have supporting information before you submit part two of your application. You can submit part two and then send supporting information later.
How to apply for Adult Disability Payment
People can apply Adult Disability Payment online, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
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