People in Scotland will no longer be able to make a new claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from August 29 when the benefit will be replaced by Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in all 32 council areas across the country. At present, 13 local authorities are now offering ADP to adults over 16 and under State Pension age living with a disability, long-term illness or a physical or mental health condition.
The new devolved benefit will be delivered by Social Security Scotland and the process of transferring some 313,620 existing PIP claimants from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) began in mid-June and is expected to be completed by summer 2024. People already on PIP do not need to apply for the new benefit, and there will be no interruption in payments during the migration which takes around three months to complete.
Claimants who receive ADP will be paid between £24.45 and £156.90 per week to help with the additional costs of daily living and mobility needs. The benefit is paid every four weeks so this amounts to between £97.80 and £627.60 every payment period.
Eligibility and payment rates are the same as PIP, however, one of the main differences between the two disability benefits is the way assessments or consultations are conducted.
Social Security Scotland staff will conduct assessments and not third-parties from the private sector, which is the norm for PIP consultations.
Minister for social security Ben Macpherson reassured new claimants in North Lanarkshire last month that the Scottish Government is taking a 'people-centric approach' to the whole application process, including assessments.
He explained: "We are taking a positive, responsible and compassionate approach to delivering disability benefits, centred around our principles of dignity, fairness and respect.
"Adult Disability Payment is the twelfth Scottish benefit to be introduced, and without doubt the most complex.
“People can apply for Adult Disability Payment in the way that suits them best. As well as online and over the phone, local delivery staff can provide pre-application advice and encourage people to take up their entitlements. I encourage those who think they could be eligible to check and apply.”
He also urged people who think they may need additional support in applying, as well as with re-determinations and appeals, to consider using VoiceAbility, an independent advocacy service, funded by the Scottish Government.
He continued: “Our approach to delivering disability benefits has been designed with people with lived experience of disability benefits and we are taking a different approach to that of the UK Government.
“People will be treated with dignity and respect, and we will start from a position of trust. There will be no private sector assessors and clients will be given greater choice to help them, including times and locations of meetings, with home visits available.”
Below is an overview of the new benefit including who can claim, how to apply and how much you could be awarded.
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.
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 (66).
You cannot get PIP and Adult Disability Payment at the same time.
Council areas offering ADP instead of PIP
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
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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