New figures from Social Security Scotland show 504,710 people now receive Adult Disability Payment (ADP). The average processing time for a new claim is 62 working days, just over 12 weeks, meaning claims made this month could be decided before December, though some applications may take shorter or longer.
Payments range from £30.30 to £194.60 per week, or £121.20 to £778.40 every four-week pay period. However, many new claimants may not realise that a successful award can also open the door to additional benefit top-ups, help with housing costs, Council Tax, and travel. This extra support is also available to those on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Child Disability Payment.
Related benefits explained
Guidance on MYGOV.SCOT explains: "You might be able to get extra support if you get Adult Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland." These are called related benefits and can help with living costs, travel and transport, and if you are on a low income. It is important to note that you need to make a claim for this additional support; it is not applied automatically with a disability benefit award.
The guidance states: "You, or someone responsible for you, can apply for them. The rates of your disability payment will have an effect on what you can apply for." It urges people to "try to apply as soon as you can" and adds that "organisations may not be able to backdate payments if you wait too long. You could miss out on some of the extra support you’re entitled to." It also warns that "some benefits and services can affect other payments you may get," advising people to ask local support services for help with benefits.
Employment and carer support
Those receiving a devolved disability payment and claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Housing Benefit may be eligible for a higher payment or premium from the DWP. Guidance states: "You should contact the DWP to tell them about your disability benefit. If you’re eligible, you’ll get an extra amount on top of your normal payment, known as a disability premium. You’ll continue to get your usual disability payment from Social Security Scotland."
Carers of people receiving certain rates of ADP, Child Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment, or Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance can apply for Carer Support Payment, which has replaced Carer’s Allowance in Scotland. Those not eligible may be able to apply for Carer’s Credit. If a carer receives Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance, it can affect other benefits, so claimants are advised to speak to a Social Security Scotland adviser before applying. Young carers aged 16, 17, 18, or 19 might be able to apply for Young Carer Grant.
Housing and travel help
People already receiving Housing Benefit may get a higher rate from their local council, known as a disability premium. They may also apply for a Council Tax Reduction, which includes discounts of up to 100 per cent on the Council Tax Bill, and may be available even if the bill is already reduced. Social Security Scotland advises contacting the local council to inform them about the disability payment and ask about help with housing costs.
Help with transport and travel is available to those receiving ADP, Child Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment, or Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance. This includes an accessible vehicle or equipment lease, vehicle tax exemption, and a provisional driving licence early at age 16 for those with the higher or enhanced rate mobility component. A 50 per cent vehicle tax reduction is available for those with the standard rate mobility component of ADP. A disabled person’s bus pass allows free bus travel within Scotland, and a companion can also travel for free in certain circumstances.
A Blue Badge parking permit costs £20 and is valid for three years in Scotland. Eligibility for ADP holders requires either 8 points or more in the moving around activity, 12 points in the planning and following a journey activity, or enhanced rate mobility awarded under special rules for terminal illness. Those with a medical condition affecting mobility may still be able to apply. Full details are available on MYGOV.SCOT.
