Adult Disability Payment is set to replace Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for new claimants in seven more council areas this month, following on from the recent launch in Angus, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire at the end of June. Some 313,620 existing PIP claimants in Scotland will start to transfer from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) system to Social Security Scotland this summer, in a move predicted to be completed by the end of 2025.
The rollout of the new benefit means that people of working age with a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition, living in Fife, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Moray, North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire or South Ayrshire can apply directly for financial support from the Scottish Government from July 25.
If you live elsewhere in Scotland and Adult Disability Payment hasn't opened in your area or appears on the rollout schedule, you can apply from August 29.
The Scottish Government has said Adult Disability Payment will bring many positive changes to people applying for disability assistance for the first time and those already receiving PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
For those out off claiming for the new benefit due to some of the negativity surrounding the PIP application and assessment process, minister for social security Ben Macpherson reassured new claimants at the North Lanarkshire launch that the Scottish process will have a people-centric approach.
This involves Social Security Scotland staff conducting assessments and not third-parties from the private sector, which is the norm for PIP consultations.
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.
When can you apply?
Applications for Adult Disability Payment will open over the next few months.
You will be able to apply on or after:
- Now : if you live in Dundee City, Perth and Kinross or the Western Isles
- Now : 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 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.
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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