Social Security Scotland has issued new advice for people applying for devolved disability benefits, urging them to provide supporting information about how their condition affects their daily life, which could help them receive a faster decision.
The reminder applies to people applying for Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment or Pension Age Disability Payment. People making a new claim are being reminded that entitlement to the devolved benefits is based on how a disability or long-term health condition affects them rather than simply having a particular diagnosis.
People need to tell Social Security Scotland about the challenges they face completing everyday activities and provide supporting information from a professional, such as a doctor, teacher, counsellor or social worker.
What evidence is needed
Evidence can include care plans, medical reports and occupational health assessments, while applicants are encouraged to provide any additional supporting information that could help with their claim.
A Social Security Scotland health and social care spokesperson said: “Before making a decision on an application for a disability benefit, we ensure we fully understand how someone’s condition or disability affects their daily life.
“Supporting information from a professional is invaluable, providing vital insight that helps us make the right decisions.
“By providing relevant supporting information alongside their application, clients may get faster decisions.”
28-day deadline for submissions
People can submit supporting information online or send it to Social Security Scotland by post. Anyone who does not provide the information when initially submitting their application is being advised to send it within 28 days.
Social Security Scotland may require further information before it can reach a decision on someone's entitlement. If this happens, a member of its in-house health and social care team may arrange a consultation with the applicant. These can be carried out over the phone, online or in person.
Disability benefits in Scotland
Social Security Scotland delivers three main disability benefits for children, working-age adults and people over State Pension age. Child Disability Payment provides support with the extra costs of caring for a disabled child or young person, while ADP is the main disability benefit for eligible working-age people in Scotland.
Pension Age Disability Payment provides support for people over State Pension age who have a disability or health condition that means they need help looking after themselves or supervision to keep them safe. The benefits have replaced their Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) equivalents for people living in Scotland.
Social Security Scotland's latest reminder stresses that having a diagnosis by itself is not enough to qualify for disability benefits. Eligibility is instead determined by the effect someone's condition has on their everyday life, including their ability to carry out activities such as washing, dressing and cooking.
People applying should therefore provide details about the difficulties they experience rather than assuming evidence of a diagnosis will demonstrate their entitlement. Social Security Scotland may also ask people receiving Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (Scottish Adult DLA) to provide supporting information.
Help with a disability benefit application
People with a terminal illness are encouraged to use Social Security Scotland's fast-track application route. Free help is also available for people who need support completing an application.
Social Security Scotland can help people apply over the phone on 0800 182 2222 or through its webchat service. Disabled people can also receive independent advocacy support from Advice Direct Scotland by calling 0808 196 8901.
