Social Security Scotland has published a checklist of essential need-to-knows for people thinking about making a new claim for devolved disability benefits. The guidance is designed to help claimants understand the process, know what information to supply, and find additional help when applying.
The agency administers and delivers Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP) and Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) – devolved benefits that provide additional financial support to people with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition. These benefits have replaced all new claims for disability benefits previously delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance for Children (DLA for Children) and Attendance Allowance.
Benefit rates and components
Adult Disability Payment is extra money for people with a disability or long-term health condition that affects everyday life. It has two parts – a daily living and mobility component – and claimants might qualify for one or both. The amount depends on how the condition affects the person's ability to do everyday activities and get around.
Weekly rates for Adult Disability Payment are: daily living standard rate £76.70, enhanced rate £114.60; mobility standard rate £30.30, enhanced rate £80.00.
Child Disability Payment supports the extra costs a disabled child might have. It can be claimed for a child under 16 with a mental or physical disability, even if there is no diagnosis – in which case claimants can tell Social Security Scotland how the child is affected and any symptoms they may have. The payment is tax-free and has care and mobility components. Weekly rates are: care lowest £30.30, middle £76.70, highest £114.60; mobility lower £30.30, higher £80.00.
Pension Age Disability Payment provides extra money for people with care needs because of a disability or long-term health condition who have reached State Pension age. It is tax-free and has two rates – lower £76.70 and higher £114.60 per week – with no mobility component.
Tips for new claimants
Social Security Scotland offers multiple ways to apply: online, by post, by phone, or in-person through advisors based in local communities across Scotland. A dedicated fast-track route is available for people who are terminally ill to make it easier and quicker for them to get the money they're entitled to.
People qualify for these benefits based on the impact of their condition on daily needs. Social Security Scotland said: "It’s vital that everyone applying for support explains in detail how their disability or condition affects their life." The application can be completed in stages – there's no need to do it all at once.
The agency also urged claimants to be open about their condition. "Many people find it difficult to focus on the things they or their child cannot do because of their disability or health condition," it said. "However, it’s important people are open with us about the challenges they face. Without a full picture of the issues someone is dealing with, Social Security Scotland may not be able to award them the money they are entitled to."
Supporting information and help to apply
Social Security Scotland needs supporting information from a professional, like a doctor, physiotherapist, or social worker, before making a decision on an application. People often have supporting information such as care plans, medical reports and prescription lists. Sharing this can speed up the process. If claimants do not have any, Social Security Scotland can collect it on their behalf – this can take time but is a vital service.
Free help to apply is available from many sources. Social Security Scotland can support people over the phone on 0800 182 2222 or via webchat, and in-person help is available from local advisors. The independent advocacy service Advocacy.scot, operated by Advice Direct Scotland, can be contacted free on 0808 196 8901, at Advocacy.scot, or by emailing support@advocacy.scot. Organisations including Citizens Advice Scotland, Macmillan Cancer Support and local authority welfare rights teams can also help.
