New claims for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) are most likely to receive the ongoing maximum award of £778.40 every four weeks, according to the latest figures from Social Security Scotland. As of the end of April, 504,710 people were receiving ADP, the devolved benefit that has replaced Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland.
Processing Times and Award Values
The average processing time for a new ADP claim is 62 working days, just over 12 weeks. This means someone applying in June could expect a decision by October, though some applications may be shorter or longer. Successful claims are worth between £30.30 and £194.60 per week, equating to £121.20 to £778.40 every four-week pay period, to help with daily living and mobility costs.
The most common primary disabling condition among ADP recipients is Mental and Behavioural disorders, accounting for 40% of cases. This is followed by Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue (24%) and Diseases of the Nervous System (7%).
Highest Award Rates by Condition
The Diseases of the Eye and Adnexa category has the highest proportion of both care and mobility awards at 86%. Within this group, 73% receive the enhanced rate of daily living and 83% receive the enhanced rate of mobility.
The Scottish Government estimates ADP will support 612,000 people by 2028/29, with financial support totalling nearly £4.5 billion.
Review Dates and Indefinite Awards
When awarded ADP, Social Security Scotland sets a review date to ensure the payment remains appropriate. Awards typically last between 24 months and 10 years, but some claimants receive an ‘indefinite award’ with no review date. This applies if your needs are highly unlikely to change or if you receive the enhanced rate of both daily living and mobility components.
Guidance on mygov.scot states: “This means your award will not be reviewed in the future unless you tell us that something has changed.” The Scottish Government says this meets the principles of ‘dignity, fairness and respect’.
Eligibility for ADP or PIP
To qualify for ADP or PIP, you must have a health condition or disability causing difficulties with daily living or mobility for at least three months, expected to continue for at least nine months. You usually need to have lived in the UK for two of the last three years and be in the country when applying.
Consider applying if you need help with: preparing or eating food, managing medication, washing or bathing, dressing, communicating, reading, making decisions about money, planning a journey, or moving around.
Payment Rates and Assessment
ADP and PIP are paid every four weeks (weekly if terminally ill) and consist of daily living and mobility components. Weekly rates are: daily living standard £76.70, enhanced £114.60; mobility standard £30.30, enhanced £80.00.
For PIP, assessments are conducted by an independent healthcare professional via video, phone, paper, or face-to-face. For ADP, assessments are done by in-house Social Security Scotland staff, with no face-to-face unless preferred by the claimant.
How to Apply
To apply for PIP, contact the DWP with your contact details, date of birth, National Insurance number, bank details, and doctor’s information. For ADP, apply online via mygov.scot, by phone on 0800 182 2222, or by post.
