More than 305,000 benefit claimants in Scotland will start to see their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) replaced by the new Adult Disability Payment by the end of August, following the launch of a phased rollout across all 32 local council areas, which began in March.
This will be a new payment for working adults under State Pension age who do not already claim disability benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The Scottish Government recently confirmed that those people already receiving disability benefits through DWP will have their awards transferred to Social Security Scotland from August 29 - without any interruptions to their award and will not have to apply for Adult Disability Payment.
Here is a brief overview of what the new benefit is and how to claim it.
What is Adult Disability Payment?
Adult Disability Payment is extra money to help you if you have a disability or long-term health condition that affects your everyday life.
Similar to PIP, it is made up of two parts - Daily Living and Mobility. You may qualify for one or both parts and the amount you get depends on how your condition affects your ability to do everyday activities and get around.
It does not matter if you're working or not and your income and savings are not taken into account.
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
If you're awarded the Daily Living part you will be paid:
- £61.85 each week - for a standard award
- £92.40 each week - for an enhanced award
If you're terminally ill you will automatically get the enhanced daily living award.
Mobility part
You may qualify for the mobility part if you need help with planning and following a journey, or moving around.
If you're awarded the mobility part you will be paid:
- £24.45 a week - for a standard award
- £64.50 a week - for an enhanced award
If you get an enhanced award for the mobility part, you can apply to lease an accessible vehicle - find out more here.
How will Adult Disability Payment be paid?
It is usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid every week.
It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.
Who can apply for Adult Disability Payment?
You do not need to apply for Adult Disability Payment if you already get PIP or DLA from the DWP.
Social Security Scotland will move your benefit to Adult Disability Payment without you having to do anything. Find out more about how your benefit is moving to Social Security Scotland here.
You can apply for Adult Disability Payment if you have either a:
- disability or long-term physical or mental health condition
- terminal illness
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.
When can you apply?
Applications for Adult Disability Payment will open during 2022.
They will be limited to start with while Social Security Scotland makes sure the process works.
You will be able to apply on or after:
- Now: if you live in Dundee City, Perth and Kinross or the Western Isles
- June 20: if you live in Angus, North Lanarkshire or South Lanarkshire
- July 25: if you live in Fife, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Moray, North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire or South Ayrshire
- August 29: if you live elsewhere in Scotland
Check online 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.
The simple online tool asks questions about:
- where you live
- any restrictions on your right to live in the UK
- if you're on other benefits
- your age
You will not be asked about your disability or health condition.
If you do not qualify for Adult Disability Payment, the Social Security Scotland tool will tell you what other benefits you may be able to claim.
Check if you qualify for Adult Disability Payment here.
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