More than 185,000 older people across Scotland are now receiving Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), with the benefit paying out over £580 million in its first year. New figures from the Scottish Government show 185,895 people had received the devolved disability benefit by April 30, 2026, after it replaced Attendance Allowance in April last year.
Eligibility and Payment Rates
Pension Age Disability Payment is available to people who have reached State Pension age and need help because of a disability, long-term health condition or terminal illness. Savings and income do not affect eligibility for the benefit as it is not means-tested. Successful claimants could receive either £306.80 or £458.40 every four weeks through PADP, depending on the level of care they need. The money is intended to help with the extra costs of living independently and staying safe at home.
Ministerial Statement
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "Pension Age Disability Payment was an important milestone in the development of our social security system that treats everyone with dignity, fairness and respect. It is vital that older people with care needs get the money they need to stay safe and live with dignity. I'm pleased the payment has supported so many older people across Scotland in its first year. I would encourage anyone who thinks they or someone they know might be eligible to apply."
Processing Times and Demographics
The latest statistics also show processing times have improved in recent months, falling from 10 working days in January 2026 to nine working days in April this year. This means someone making a new claim over the coming days could receive an award decision before the end of July. Data from Social Security Scotland indicates the largest group of applicants were aged between 75 and 79, accounting for 24 per cent of applications, followed by people aged 70 to 74, who made up 22 per cent of claims.
Application Criteria
Guidance on mygov.scot provides full details on who can claim, how to claim, additional help available, what happens after a claim is submitted and extra support for successful claimants. You can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you have both: reached State Pension age and had care needs during the day or night for 6 months or more because of a disability or health condition. You can still apply if you have not had care needs for 6 months or more – your award will begin 6 months from when your care needs started if your application is successful. You can also apply if you are waiting for, or do not have, a diagnosis, or if you have a terminal illness – there is a separate fast-track application process for terminally ill people.
Important Notes
It is important to be aware you cannot get Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time. If you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you do not need to do anything. Your benefit will move to Social Security Scotland. Social Security Scotland will provide Pension Age Disability Payment at the same weekly rate as Attendance Allowance. The weekly payment rates for PADP are: lower rate – £76.70, higher rate – £114.60. Payments are usually issued every four weeks so this amounts to £306.80 and £458.40 every four-week payment period.
How to Apply
Full details on how to make a claim online, by phone, post or in person can be found on MYGOV.SCOT. Anyone over State Pension age living in England or Wales 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. Get support making a claim from an independent advocate: the Social Security Independent Advocacy Service is funded by the Scottish Government. It was set up to ensure disabled people can understand and exercise their rights, participate fully in decisions and help them apply for vital support from Scotland’s devolved social security benefits. Advice Direct Scotland is the new provider of this service through their dedicated platform advocacy.scot. You can contact Advice Direct Scotland with any queries by calling 0808 196 8901 or emailing support@advocacy.scot. Social Security Scotland can also help you to apply for Pension Age Disability Payment – full details on MYGOV.SCOT.
