Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has been replaced by the new Adult Disability Payment (ADP) benefit for new claimants across Scotland starting Monday.
ADP is available to people over the age of 16 and under the State Pension age who have a disability or long-term physical or mental health condition that impacts their day-to-day life.
The national rollout comes after pilots in 13 local authority areas across Scotland, which started in March.
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As reported by the Daily Record, ADP is the twelfth and most complex benefit administered by the Scottish Government. As of August 29, it has replaced the UK Government-delivered PIP for all new claims.
The Scottish Government has stated that ADP claimants will not be required to undergo "DWP-style assessments or degrading functional examinations" when applying for the benefit.
According to the government, people applying for ADP will only be asked to attend a consultation when more information is needed to reach a decision about their claim. As stated by Social Security Minister Ben Macpherson, these consultations will be a "conversation" with a health professional so that they can learn more about the claimant's condition.
Around 313,000 people in Scotland currently claim PIP, and around 39,000 claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA) from the DWP. These claimants do not need to apply for ADP as they will automatically be transferred over to the new benefit.
These transfers began in June, and according to the Scottish Government the process will last until the end of 2025.
Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson commented: “The national launch of Adult Disability Payment is a significant milestone in the development of our new social security system, that will treat everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.
“This is the twelfth and most complex devolved benefit to be introduced and, once all the awards have been transferred from DWP, this new payment will be supporting more than 300,000 people.”
He added that there are a number of ways to apply for ADP, stating: “We are offering a range of ways to make an application, including online, by post, over the phone or face-to-face. Social Security Scotland local delivery teams are also available to provide assistance in communities across the country.
“In creating our new system, we have worked extensively and collaboratively with people who will use this service. Their input, and their direct experience of the DWP system, has significantly informed our policy development and resulted in the number of improvements that we are making to the way in which we are delivering our new service.”
According to the Scottish Government, it is aiming to provide a positive and compassionate experience for those applying for and claiming ADP.
Mr Macpherson continued: “In our Scottish system no one will be subject to DWP-style assessments or degrading functional examinations, and we will never use the private sector to carry out health examinations.
“People will only be invited to a consultation on occasions when we require more information so we can make a decision. This will be a conversation with a health and social care professional to understand how a person’s disability or health condition impacts them.
“Social security is a shared investment in building a fairer Scotland. It is a human right and we encourage those who may be eligible for support to apply.”
Moira Tasker, Chief Executive of Inclusion Scotland commented: “Inclusion Scotland warmly welcomes today’s launch of the Adult Disability Payment. Many disabled people are being disproportionately hard hit by the UK economic crisis and are deeply worried about just surviving this winter.
“The Adult Disability Payment will offer much needed support to eligible disabled people. It ushers in further progress towards upholding the values of dignity and respect in Scottish society, which were entirely lacking in the Department of Work and Pensions approach to disability benefits.”
She added: “The Adult Disability Payment is a leap forward. It has the potential to enable disabled people and Scots with long-term health conditions to participate in their communities and wider Scottish society - whether that is through work, education, family life, or simply a life lived without fear of phone calls or letters demanding repeated assessments and sanctions.”
What is Adult Disability Payment?
ADP is a benefit for people who have a disability or long-term physical or mental health condition that affects their day-to-day life. Like PIP, it consists of a daily living component and a mobility component.
Claimants may qualify for one or both components depending on how their condition impacts their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks and move around.
You can qualify for the benefit regardless of whether or not you are working. Your income and savings are also not taken into consideration.
Daily Living part
You could qualify for the daily living component if you require help with any of the following tasks:
- 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
Those who receive the daily living component will be given:
- Standard rate - £61.85 each week
- Enhanced rate - £92.40 each week
Claimants who are terminally ill will receive the enhanced rate.
Mobility part
You could be eligible for the mobility component if you require assistance moving around.
Those who receive the mobility component will be given:
- Standard rate - £24.45 each week
- Enhanced rate - £64.50 each week
If you receive the enhanced rate, you may be eligible to lease an accessible vehicle. Find out more here.
How will Adult Disability Payment be paid?
Most claimants will receive ADP every four weeks. However, those who are terminally ill will get it every week.
The benefit will be transferred directly to claimants' bank, building society or credit union accounts.
Who can apply for Adult Disability Payment?
You do not need to make a claim for ADP if you already receive PIP or DLA. Social Security Scotland will automatically transfer you over to the new benefit — find out more here.
You can make a claim for ADP if you have a disability or long-term physical or mental health condition, or a terminal illness.
Check online if you qualify for Adult Disability Payment
You can use an online tool to check whether you qualify for ADP before starting an application. The checker will ask you questions regarding:
- where you live
- any restrictions on your right to live in the UK
- if you're on other benefits
- your age
If you are not eligible for ADP, the tool will inform you of what other benefits you may qualify for.
You can find the tool here.
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