Most Adult Disability Payment (ADP) awards are issued by Social Security Scotland for between two and 10 years, with the latest figures showing 510,150 people were receiving additional financial support through the benefit at the end of July.
The average time to process a new claim for ADP is now 86 working days, just over 17 weeks. This means people making a new claim this month could have an award decision by mid-February, although some applications can take shorter or longer to process.
Payment amounts and common conditions
A successful claim for ADP is worth between £30.30 and £194.60 each week, some £121.20 and £778.40 every four-week pay period, to help with the additional costs of daily living and mobility needs.
The most common category of primary disabling conditions for people in receipt of ADP was Mental and Behavioural disorders, which accounted for 40 per cent of the caseload. This was followed by Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue, which accounted for 24 per cent, and Diseases of the Nervous System, which accounted for seven per cent.
Award lengths and reviews
When a person is awarded ADP, Social Security Scotland will set a review date to ensure the financial support meets the needs of the claimant. Awards can be issued for anywhere between 24 months and 10 years, however, some people may be given an 'indefinite award' with no review date.
You may be given an indefinite award with no review date for ADP if your needs are highly unlikely to change, or you are awarded the enhanced rate of both the daily living and mobility components of ADP. Guidance on mygov.scot states: "This means your award will not be reviewed in the future unless you tell us that something has changed." The Scottish Government says this meets the principles of 'dignity, fairness and respect'.
Social Security Scotland reviews take place at a time when a person's needs are likely to have changed, to ensure their payment continues to be at the right level. Payments will continue while a review is taking place and claimants do not need to re-apply during the process.
Eligibility and application
To be eligible for ADP or PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months, and expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months. You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.
If you get or need help with preparing, cooking or eating food, managing your medication, washing, bathing or using the toilet, dressing and undressing, engaging and communicating with other people, reading and understanding written information, making decisions about money, planning a journey or following a route, or moving around, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP.
ADP and PIP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
People can apply for ADP over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
