Older people applying for Scotland’s replacement for Attendance Allowance are now receiving decisions in as little as seven working days, according to new figures from Social Security Scotland.
The latest Pension Age Disability Payment statistics show the median processing time for applications was seven working days between the benefit launching in October 2024 and April 2026. The agency said processing times have improved in recent months, falling from 10 working days in January 2026 to nine working days in April this year.
Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) is the Scottish replacement for Attendance Allowance and provides financial support to people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of a disability, illness or long-term health condition.
The figures show that since the benefit launched, 50,395 Part 1 applications have been registered and 39,390 Part 2 applications received. A total of 44,385 applications had been processed with a decision by April 30.
Of those applications:
- 82% were authorised
- 14% were denied
- 3% were withdrawn
Most successful applicants received the higher rate of support, with 75 per cent awarded the higher rate and 25% receiving the lower rate.
The statistics also show that applications made under the Special Rules for Terminal Illness were processed particularly quickly, with a median processing time of two working days.
Social Security Scotland said 185,895 people had received Pension Age Disability Payment by the end of April, with £580 million paid out to clients across Scotland since the benefit launched.
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.
Social Security Scotland completed the national rollout of Pension Age Disability Payment in April 2025 and has now transferred more than 167,000 former Attendance Allowance recipients from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) onto the new Scottish benefit.
Eligibility for Pension Age Disability Payment
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
- 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 are waiting for, or do not have, a diagnosis
- You have a terminal illness - there is a separate fast-track application process if you’re terminally ill
It's 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.
Payment rates for Pension Age Disability Payment
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 do I apply for Pension Age Disability Payment?
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.
