Adult Disability Payment is set to replace Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for new claimants in seven more council areas in July, following on from another launch in Angus, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire due to start on June 20.
More than 313,000 existing PIP claimants in Scotland will start to transfer this week from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits system to Social Security Scotland and do not need to re-apply for the new disability payment - the phased rollout is for new applicants only.
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.
Adult Disability Payment opened in Dundee City, Perth and Kinross and the Western Isles on March 21.
New figures released by Social Security Scotland show that during the period between the benefit launching in those areas and April 30, 2022, some 1,275 people submitted the first part of the application form while a further 515 completed part two.
The application for Adult Disability Payment is in two parts. Once an applicant has filled out part one (general information) they have eight weeks to complete part two (similar to the PIP evidence form).
In total, there were 80 applications processed with a decision made by April 30 and of these:
- 33% were authorised
- 4% were denied
- 63% were withdrawn
Of the authorised applications, Social Security Scotland currently estimate that around two-thirds were subject to Special Rules for the Terminally Ill.
Due to the short time period covered by the publication of the figures - to coincide with the latest DWP PIP figures - the majority of applications where a part two form had been received were still undergoing processing on April 30.
Of the applications where a decision had been made there was a high rate of withdrawn applications due largely to applications received from outside of the three pilot areas, or where applicants were below the age of 16.
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:
- £61.85 each week - for a standard award
- £92.40 each week - for an enhanced award
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:
- £24.45 a week - for a standard award
- £64.50 a week - for an enhanced award
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
- June 20 : 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.
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