The Scottish Government has announced proposals for the introduction of a new devolved benefit scheduled to be rolled out by 2025. The details have been published as part of an updated Social Security Programme Business Case.
Pension Age Disability Payment will replace Attendance Allowance as part of a phased pilot launch at the start in Autumn 2024 for new claimants, before rolling out nationwide in early 2025. Social Security Scotland also plans to launch Pension Age Winter Heating Assistance at the end of next year, although no details on this payment have been announced yet.
The new benefit will pay the same weekly rates as Attendance Allowance which is currently delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). However, it’s worth keeping in mind, the weekly payment rates for 2023/24 of either £68.10 or £101.75, may have changed by the time Pension Age Disability Payment launches due to annual uprating.
More than 123,786 existing Attendance Allowance claimants living in Scotland will be automatically transferred to the new system, so there’s no need to apply for the devolved benefit.
People receiving the financial support in England and Wales will not be affected by the change and will continue to receive regular payments from the DWP.
The new Pension Age Disability Payment will support older people who have a disability which results in the need for additional assistance, or supervision to keep them safe.
Below is an overview of what we know so far, but one of the key differences will be that f ace-to-face assessments will not be held - similar to the rollout of Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
When will Pension Age Disability Payment replace Attendance Allowance?
Social Security Scotland have not yet set out a specific timetable for the rollout of the Pension Age Disability Payment, however, the pilot scheme will launch in Autumn 2024 with full rollout in early 2025.
Existing claimants who currently receive Attendance Allowance will be transferred to the devolved system in stages after the new benefit has been introduced. Nobody will need to re-apply for the benefit and there will be no interruption to payments - much like the transfer from PIP to ADP.
Who will be eligible to make a claim for the Pension Age Disability Payment?
It is anticipated that eligibility rules for Pension Age Disability Payment will remain similar to Attendance Allowance.
This benefit is for people who are of State Pension age or over, who have had their condition for at least six months and require additional care.
How will claims be assessed?
Social Security Scotland will make decisions about entitlement for Pension Age Disability Payment using the applicant’s account of their circumstances and existing supporting information.
There will be no face-to-face assessments as part of the application process, instead there will be dedicated support in all 32 local councils across Scotland to help claimants in a "person-centred approach".
Guidance on the new devolved disability benefits on mygov.scot explains: "We are making the application process as simple and easy as possible to encourage and support people to apply for the payments they are entitled to.
"The application process for disability assistance will be inclusive, accessible, provided in a range of formats and available through a range of routes (online, phone, post and in-person). We are making a number of improvements to the application form to include clear guidance on how the eligibility criteria is applied.
"This will ensure a client is supported in providing relevant information with in-person support available."
Payment rates for Pension Age Disability Payment
Social Security Scotland will provide the same rate of all forms of Disability Assistance as the current rate of the equivalent UK disability benefit, in this case, Attendance Allowance, and will increase the payment in line with inflation each year.
Based on the current 2022/2023 rates the weekly amounts of Pension Age Disability Payment will be:
Lower rate - £61.85 (rising to £68.10 in April)
Higher rate - £92.40 (rising to £101.75 in April)
How do I apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment?
You cannot apply for the new disability assistance benefit yet.
Anyone over State Pension age with a disability that means they need assistance with looking after themselves, or supervision to keep them safe, should continue to apply for Attendance Allowance through the DWP.
For the latest updates on the new Disability Assistance being delivered by Social Security Scotland, visit the website here.
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