New claims for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) are taking an average of 62 working days – just over 12 weeks – to process, according to the latest figures from Social Security Scotland. As of the end of April, 504,710 people were receiving ADP, with 194,245 (38%) being new applicants and 310,465 (62%) having transferred from Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
People who submit part two of their application (the condition questionnaire) within eight weeks of completing part one (personal details) and are successful will have payments backdated to the date part one was submitted. Failure to meet this deadline may result in a later entitlement date, unless there is a good reason, such as a hospital stay.
Payment rates and conditions
ADP provides between £30.30 and £194.60 per week, paid every four weeks. It consists of daily living and mobility components. The standard daily living rate is £76.70, with an enhanced rate of £114.60. Mobility rates are £30.30 (standard) and £80.00 (enhanced).
The most common primary disabling condition among ADP recipients is mental and behavioural disorders (41%), followed by musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases (24%) and nervous system diseases (7%). The Scottish Government estimates ADP will support 612,000 people by 2028/29, with financial support of almost £4.5 billion.
Award review and indefinite awards
Social Security Scotland sets a review date for each ADP award, ranging from 24 months to 10 years. Some claimants may receive an indefinite award with no review date if their needs are highly unlikely to change or if they receive the enhanced rate of both daily living and mobility components. Payments continue during reviews.
Supporting information
Social Security Scotland encourages claimants to include supporting information to speed up decisions. This can include care plans, prescription lists, school support plans, housing adaptation letters, workplace adjustment letters, and referral letters. Information about symptoms, test results, and contact details for GPs or other professionals can also help.
