The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that new rules are now in effect for people living in England or Wales on Attendance Allowance (AA) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) who permanently move to Scotland. The change, implemented earlier this year, means claimants must take proactive steps to avoid interruptions in their benefit payments.
What Has Changed?
Previously, individuals on Attendance Allowance and DLA who moved permanently from England or Wales to Scotland had their cases automatically transferred to the equivalent benefit administered by Social Security Scotland. Under the new rules, this automatic transfer no longer applies. Instead, claimants must make a new claim to the Scottish benefit system.
The DWP stated: "Attendance Allowance customers who move permanently from England or Wales to Scotland now need to make a new claim to the Scottish benefit, Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). DLA customers who move permanently from England or Wales to Scotland now need to contact Social Security Scotland to discuss entitlement to Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA)."
Who Is Affected?
The rule change now applies to everyone on a DWP-delivered disability benefit who permanently relocates from England or Wales to Scotland. This includes claimants of:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance for Children (DLAc)
- Carer's Allowance
Older individuals on DLA must also inform their benefit provider and contact Social Security Scotland to request Scottish Adult DLA.
Steps to Avoid Payment Disruptions
To minimise payment disruptions, people are urged to apply for the replacement benefits—Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment, and Carer Support Payment—as soon as possible after the move. Before applying to Social Security Scotland, claimants must first notify the DWP or the Department of Communities in Northern Ireland about their move.
It is important to note that the DWP and Department of Communities in Northern Ireland will continue to pay PIP, DLA for children, and Carer's Allowance for 13 weeks after the move to Scotland. The call to apply early is due to claims processing times, aiming to minimise disruption between welfare agencies.
Benefits of the Scottish System
Social Security Scotland’s deputy director, Karyn Dunning, emphasised the importance of taking action: "It’s vital disabled people and carers who move to Scotland take action to ensure they continue to get the financial support they are entitled to. We know applying for benefits can feel daunting, especially alongside moving to a new country, but there is an in-depth guide available on mygov.scot. Our staff are also here to answer questions and help people apply. We can provide help over the phone, through webchat or through a face-to-face appointment with one of our community-based advisors."
Dunning added: "I urge people not to put off applying. The Scottish approach to benefits is very different from that of the DWP. For example, we do not use private sector assessors to make decisions. Our system is built on the principles of dignity, fairness and respect, and we want disabled people and carers to get every penny they’re entitled to."
Backdating and Further Information
People who make a successful application for a devolved disability benefit may be entitled to have their payments backdated to the day after their DWP benefit ended. A full guide to benefits for people moving to Scotland is available on MYGOV.SCOT. For further assistance, individuals can call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
