New figures from Social Security Scotland show 510,150 people were receiving additional financial support through Adult Disability Payment (ADP) at the end of July. The latest data also reveals the average time to process a new claim is now 86 working days, just over 17 weeks, meaning a claim made this month could see a decision by mid-February, though some applications may take shorter or longer.
Award values and common conditions
A successful ADP claim pays between £30.30 and £194.60 each week, or £121.20 and £778.40 every four-week pay period, to help with daily living and mobility costs. The most common primary disabling condition was Mental and Behavioural disorders, accounting for 40 per cent of the caseload, followed by Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue at 24 per cent, and Diseases of the Nervous System at seven per cent.
The Diseases of the Eye and Adnexa category had the highest proportion of both care and mobility awards (86%), with 73 per cent receiving the enhanced daily living rate and 83 per cent the enhanced mobility rate. The Scottish Government estimates ADP will support 612,000 people by 2028/29, providing almost £4.5billion in financial support.
Review dates and indefinite awards
When a person is awarded ADP, Social Security Scotland sets a review date to ensure the payment meets the claimant's needs. Awards can be issued for between 24 months and 10 years, though some may receive an 'indefinite award' with no review date. Reviews occur when needs are likely to have changed, and payments continue during the review process without the need to re-apply.
An indefinite award may be given if your needs are highly unlikely to change or if you receive the enhanced rate of both daily living and mobility components. 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'.
Eligibility and application routes
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 for three months and expect these to continue for at least nine 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.
ADP and PIP are paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case payment is weekly. Both benefits have daily living and mobility components, with standard and enhanced rates. ADP applications can be made over the phone, by post, or in-person via mygov.scot or by calling Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
