Older people applying for Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) do not need to delay making a claim while they gather supporting information, according to Social Security Scotland. The benefit provides additional financial support to pensioners with extra care needs due to a disability or long-term health condition.
What Is Pension Age Disability Payment?
PADP has replaced Attendance Allowance for older people with a Scottish postcode and is delivered by Social Security Scotland rather than the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Latest figures show 185,895 people now receive either £76.70 or £114.60 every week through PADP.
New online guidance explains that applicants are asked to provide one piece of supporting information from a professional where possible, but this does not have to be a diagnosis. Supporting information should come from someone who knows the applicant and can broadly confirm their disability, condition, or care needs. Examples include social care plans, prescription lists, referral letters, or a statement of support included in the application form. Additional supporting information can also be provided by friends, family members, or unpaid carers.
Social Security Scotland Can Collect Evidence
The agency can collect supporting information on the applicant's behalf if they ask for help. This may be useful for older people worried about finding medical letters, care documents, or other evidence before starting a claim. Applications can still be made without supporting information.
Pension Age Disability Payment is available to people of State Pension age who are disabled or have a long-term health condition and need help looking after themselves or supervision to keep them safe. New claims are typically processed within seven working days, although this may be longer for complex cases. The benefit is not means-tested, meaning income, savings, and employment status do not affect eligibility.
Payment Rates and Details
There are two weekly payment rates. The lower rate is £76.70 per week for people who meet the criteria due to either daytime or night-time needs. The higher rate is £114.60 per week for people who meet the criteria due to both daytime and night-time needs, or those who are terminally ill. There is no mobility component of PADP.
People already receiving Adult Disability Payment will stay on that benefit when they reach State Pension age and will not transfer to PADP. The first payment is usually calculated from the date the person called Social Security Scotland to start the application or submitted the first part of their online application. Payments are normally made every four weeks in arrears into the account given as part of the application.
Terminal Illness Claims
People who are terminally ill can apply and may be fast-tracked under special rules, with payments issued weekly in advance. In these cases, confirmation of the terminal diagnosis is needed from a doctor or nurse using the Benefits Assessment under Special Rules in Scotland form. No other supporting information is required.
How to Apply
Applications can be made online at mygov.scot, in person, over the phone, or by requesting a paper form by post. People can call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222. The Social Security Independent Advocacy Service, funded by the Scottish Government, provides free support to disabled people to help them understand their rights and apply for benefits. Advice Direct Scotland now delivers this service through advocacy.scot, reachable at 0808 196 8901 or support@advocacy.scot.
