Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty, which means it causes problems with certain abilities used for learning, such as reading, writing and spelling. As a result, it can have a significant impact during education, in the workplace and in everyday life.
The NHS describes dyslexia as a lifelong condition that can present challenges on a daily basis, however, support is available to improve reading and writing skills to help those with it be successful - many dyslexic people show strengths in areas such as reasoning and in visual and creative fields.
It is estimated that up to one in 10 people across the UK have some degree of dyslexia, the equivalent of 6.7 million. But, many may not be aware they could be eligible for financial support worth up to £627.60 every four weeks through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or the new Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
More than 34,745 people in Scotland, England and Wales with dyslexia, dyspraxia, specific learning disorders and a speech or language disorder are currently receiving weekly support of up to £156.90 through PIP.
People considering making a new claim for PIP in Scotland will be redirected by DWP from August 29 to apply for ADP, which is a new devolved benefit being delivered by Social Security Scotland.
Eligibility and payment rates for ADP are the same for PIP. The latest figures from the DWP show that there are nearly three million working age adults across the UK claiming support through PIP, including 313,620 living in Scotland, with just over one in three (35%) receiving the highest level of award.
Number of claimants across the UK
Dyslexia
- Scotland: 395
- England: 3,140
- Wales: 204
- Total: 3,737
Dyspraxia
- Scotland: 302
- England: 2,643
- Wales: 242
- Total: 3,191
Specific learning disorder
- Scotland: 2,437
- England: 21,726
- Wales: 768
- Total: 24,923
Speech or language disorder
- Scotland: 165
- England: 2,569
- Wales: 162
- Total: 2,895
Below is a simplified guide to the terminology used by the DWP with an explanation of the elements involved in a claim including components, rates and how the application is scored, which in turn determines the level of award a person receives.
If you’re in Scotland, find out more about Adult Disability Payment here.
We also have a dedicated section on the Daily Record website which offers help in understanding the process from start to finish and includes questions on the form, what happens during an assessment and a comprehensive breakdown of the questions you will need to answer - these and more can be found here.
What is PIP?
PIP is a benefit which is gradually replacing DLA.
If you need extra help because of an illness, disability or mental health condition you could be eligible for PIP.
You will be assessed by a health professional to work out the level of help you can get and your rate will be reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support.
Who is eligible for PIP?
To be eligible for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:
have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months
expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months
You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.
In addition to what we have outlined above if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP - or Adult Disability Payment, depending on where you live.
- preparing, cooking or eating food
- managing your medication
- washing, bathing or using the toilet
- dressing and undressing
- engaging and communicating with other people
- reading and understanding written information
- making decisions about money
- planning a journey or following a route
- moving around
There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the GOV.UK website here.
The DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at:
- whether you can do it safely
- how long it takes you
- how often your condition affects this activity
- whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment
How is PIP or ADP paid?
Adult Disability Payment will be paid at the same rates as PIP.
PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly.
Bothe benefits will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
What are the payment rates?
You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support.
In Scotland, this assessment will be done through the information provided in your application form along with evidence submitted by a health professional such as your doctor, carer or specialist. Supporting information can also come from a family member or someone who sees you regularly - ind out more about the changes here.
In the rest of the UK, claimants will need to attend an assessment either in person, over the phone or video call - more about this is detailed in the next section.
PIP is made up of two components:
Daily living
Mobility
Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.
You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
Daily living
Standard rate: £61.85
Enhanced rate: £92.40
Mobility
Standard rate: £24.45
Enhanced rate: £64.50
How you are assessed
If you are claiming PIP, you will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need.
Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware that there is no choice here, it's up to the health professional and DWP.
You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here.
How do you make a new claim for PIP?
You can make a new claim for PIP by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you call, you will need:
your contact details
your date of birth
your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
your bank or building society account number and sort code
your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
Once you have contacted the DWP, they will send you a document to complete which consists of 14 questions. This includes space for any additional information you feel is relevant to your claim.
The questions focus on how your condition affects you, so put as much detail in as you can to help the assessor understand your physical or mental health needs.
If you have difficulty filling in your form or understanding the questions, contact your local council and ask for help or Citizens Advice Scotland.
We have a breakdown of all 14 questions here and you can take an anonymous self-test online at Benefits and Work to see how many points you would be awarded for each response.
There is also an online PIP toolkit with examples of all the questions to help you answer fully with the most relevant information, find out more about this here.
Even if you don't qualify for financial support, you could be eligible for a National Entitlement Travel Card, which offers free or reduced travel across Scotland on most public transport links.
For more information about PIP, visit GOV.UK here.
Making a new claim for ADP
You can only make a claim for Adult Disability Payment if it is open in your area, if it is not, you will need to wait until August 29 - or make a claim for PIP instead.
It's worth noting that new claims for PIP currently take around 20 weeks to process.
ADP is open to new applications in:
- Aberdeen City
- Aberdeenshire
- Angus
- Dundee City
- East Ayrshire
- Fife
- Moray
- North Ayrshire
- North Lanarkshire
- Perth and Kinross
- South Ayrshire
- South Lanarkshire
- Western Isles
For more content on ADP, check out the Daily Record’s dedicated section on it here.
Check online if you qualify for Adult Disability Payment
You can check if you meet the eligibility requirements to qualify for ADP 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 ADP, 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.
To keep up to date with the latest benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group here, follow Record Money on Twitter here, or subscribe to our twice weekly newsletter here.
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