People in Aberdeenshire, City of Aberdeen, Fife, Moray, East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, and South Ayrshire can now apply for the new benefit replacing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for people in Scotland of working age with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition.
People living in 13 council areas across Scotland can now apply online, over the phone or by post for Adult Disability Payment. The new devolved benefit will be delivered by Social Security Scotland and is set to roll out nationwide from August 29. - for new claimants only.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) started transferring existing PIP and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claimant cases on June 13 and is being staggered in stages until completion at the end of 2025. People will be notified of the move in writing and do not need to apply for the new benefit - migration to the Social Security Scotland IT system takes around three months.
Adult Disability Payment is made up of two components - a daily living part and a mobility part.
Adult Disability Payment rates are the same as PIP for 2022/23
Daily Living component
- Enhanced: £92.40
- Standard: £61.85
Mobility component
- Enhanced: £64.50
- Standard: £24.45
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.
Commenting on today’s launch, Minister for Social Security, Ben Macpherson, said: “We are taking a positive, responsible and compassionate approach to delivering disability benefits. This is in contrast to aspects of the current UK Government system.
“The Scottish Government is committed to treating people with dignity, fairness and respect and we start from a position of trust.
“Adult Disability Payment is an important financial support to provide security and help people live well. I would encourage anyone in Scotland who could be eligible to please check and apply. We want people to get support that they’re entitled to, because social security is a shared investment to help build a fairer and better society together.”
He also explained that Social Security Scotland is determined to get the award decision right the first time to stop the need for people having to go through the appeals process.
He said: “When people apply for our disability benefits, we are focused on making the right decisions first time to reduce the need for people to go through a redetermination or appeal.
“When Social Security Scotland is making a decision it will only need one formal piece of supporting information from a professional, such as a social care assessment, medical report or prescription list, and if required we will obtain that information for people.
“We will never use the private sector to carry out health assessments and there won’t be any degrading functional examinations such as asking a client to ‘touch their toes’.”
Susan Burt, People First (Fife) said: “People First are pleased to see the new Adult Disability Payment. Our needs are being better understood by using face to face local delivery teams and an easier application process. We hope this will help people with a learning disability to have better and fairer access to their benefits.”
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 are awarded the Daily Living part you will be paid:
- Standard rate - £61.85 each week
- Enhanced rate - £92.40 each week
If you are 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 are awarded the mobility part you will be paid:
- Standard rate - £24.45 each week
- Enhanced rate - £64.50 each week
If you get an enhanced award for the mobility part, you can apply to lease an accessible vehicle - find out more here.
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 (66).
You cannot get PIP and Adult Disability Payment at the same time.
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 also 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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