Older people in Scotland applying for Pension Age Disability Payment are being encouraged to give detailed examples of how their condition affects daily life to help support their claim. Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) has replaced all new and existing claims for Attendance Allowance north of the border and is administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland, not the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The benefit is designed to help people over State Pension age who have a disability, illness or long term health condition which means they need help with personal care or supervision.
The charity Independent Age says many pensioners may not realise how important it is to fully explain the difficulties they face day to day when filling in application forms.
What to include in the application
The charity advises people completing the form to explain how their condition affects them on both good and bad days and give clear examples wherever possible. That could include needing help with washing, dressing, preparing meals, managing medication, communicating with other people or staying safe around the home.
Independent Age also warns older people not to assume they will not qualify simply because they do not currently receive support from a carer, friend or family member. Eligibility is based on the help or supervision someone needs, rather than the support they already receive.
The charity encourages people to provide as much detail as possible about how their condition affects everyday life physically or mentally, instead of simply listing a diagnosis. For example, someone living with arthritis, dementia, breathing difficulties or another long term condition should explain how symptoms affect their ability to complete everyday activities safely and consistently.
Independent Age said supporting evidence such as medical letters, prescriptions or information from healthcare professionals may also help strengthen an application.
Payment rates and eligibility
Pension Age Disability Payment is not means-tested, meaning savings and income are not taken into account when someone applies. The payment is worth £76.70 a week for the lower rate and £114.60 a week for the higher rate. The higher rate is generally paid to people who need help or supervision during both the day and night, or who are terminally ill. That means eligible older people could receive payments worth up to £458.40 every four weeks.
Independent Age said older people should not feel discouraged if they find the application process difficult and advises anyone struggling with the form to seek advice before submitting a claim. The charity has also produced online guidance and videos explaining how Pension Age Disability Payment works and what information older people should include when applying.
You can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you have both reached State Pension age and 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, or you have a terminal illness (there is a separate fast-track application process if you’re terminally ill).
It is 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.
How to apply and get support
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 apply for Attendance Allowance through DWP.
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.
