New figures from Social Security Scotland show that 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. A claim made this month could be decided by the end of October, though some applications may take longer or shorter.
Payments range from £30.30 to £194.60 per week, or £121.20 to £778.40 every four weeks. However, many claimants are unaware that a successful award can also unlock extra support, including benefit top-ups, help with housing costs, Council Tax reductions, and travel assistance. This extra support is also available to those on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Child Disability Payment.
Related Benefits and How to Claim
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." They can help with living costs, travel and transport, and if you are on a low income. Importantly, you must make a separate claim for these benefits; they are not automatic. The guidance adds: "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." The Scottish government urges people to "try to apply as soon as you can" because organisations "may not be able to backdate payments if you wait too long." However, it warns that some benefits can affect other payments, so it advises seeking help from local support services.
Help if You Are on a Low Income
If you or someone you live with gets Child Disability Payment, Adult Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment, or Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, you may qualify for extra help. This includes disability premiums added to benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, and Housing Benefit. You should contact the DWP to report your disability benefit; if eligible, you will receive an extra amount on top of your normal payment.
Support for Carers
If you receive ADP at the standard or enhanced daily living rate, Child Disability Payment at the middle or highest care rate, Pension Age Disability Payment at any rate, or Scottish Adult DLA at the middle or highest care rate, your carer can apply for Carer Support Payment (which replaced Carer's Allowance in Scotland). If not eligible, they may apply for Carer’s Credit. Young carers aged 16 to 19 might apply for Young Carer Grant. Note that if your carer gets Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance, it can affect other benefits you receive.
Help with Housing Costs
You may get a higher Housing Benefit payment, known as a disability premium, by informing your local council about your disability payment. You can also apply for a Council Tax Reduction, which offers discounts of up to 100% on your Council Tax bill, even if you already have a reduction.
Help with Transport and Travel
If you get ADP, Child Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment, or Scottish Adult DLA, you may qualify for travel support. For car travel, if you get the enhanced rate mobility component of ADP, the higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment, or the higher rate mobility component of Scottish Adult DLA, you can apply for an accessible vehicle or equipment lease, vehicle tax exemption (free road tax), and a provisional driving licence at age 16. If you get the standard rate mobility component of ADP, you or your nominated driver can apply for a 50% vehicle tax reduction.
For bus travel, you can apply for a disabled person’s bus pass for free travel within Scotland. If you get Child Disability Payment, you must have the higher rate mobility component or the middle or highest rate care component. Any rate of ADP qualifies. A companion can travel free with you if you get the middle or highest care component of Child Disability Payment or the standard or enhanced daily living component of ADP.
You or your nominated driver can also apply for a Blue Badge parking permit, costing £20 and valid for three years in Scotland. For Child Disability Payment, you need the higher rate mobility component. For ADP, you need 8 points or more in the moving around activity, 12 points in planning and following a journey, or enhanced rate mobility awarded under special rules for terminal illness. You may still apply if you have a medical condition affecting mobility but do not meet these criteria.
For full details, visit mygov.scot.
