Pensioners claiming Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) in Scotland may face lighter-touch reviews if they have conditions unlikely to improve, according to guidance used by Social Security Scotland decision makers.
The benefit, which has replaced Attendance Allowance in Scotland, is designed to help people over State Pension age with extra costs linked to disability, illness or long-term health conditions. Latest figures published by Social Security Scotland show 185,895 people were in receipt of PADP at the end of April this year.
The devolved benefit provides either £76.70 or £114.60 every week. As it is typically paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £306.80 or £458.40 per payment period.
What the guidance says about reviews
Guidance used by decision makers explains reviews should reflect the likelihood of a person's needs changing over time. This means some people with lifelong, stable or degenerative conditions may receive ongoing awards with less frequent reviews.
The guidance states decision makers should consider whether a condition is likely to improve, whether support needs are expected to change, medical evidence and supporting information, and the long-term impact on daily living needs.
Conditions such as dementia, Parkinson's, and other progressive illnesses may be less likely to require regular full reassessments if needs are unlikely to improve. Social Security Scotland said reviews should be "proportionate" and based on individual circumstances rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
How reviews work
PADP reviews are used to check whether someone is still receiving the correct level of support. The process looks at how a condition affects daily living activities, including washing and dressing, preparing food, supervision and prompting needs, staying safe, and managing medication.
The decision making guidance also explains support does not always need to involve physical hands-on care. Prompting, supervision and watching over someone to prevent harm can also count towards eligibility in some cases.
People may be asked to provide updated supporting information during a review, including GP letters, consultant reports, prescription details, care plans, and information from carers or family members. Supporting information does not need to "prove" every detail of a person's condition or care needs.
Current payments usually continue while a review is ongoing. People are still expected to report significant changes in their condition or care needs to Social Security Scotland. Pension Age Disability Payment has replaced all new claims for Attendance Allowance in Scotland.
Eligibility and payment rates
You can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you have reached State Pension age and have 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, are waiting for or do not have a diagnosis, or have a terminal illness, which has a separate fast-track application process.
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, as your benefit will move to Social Security Scotland.
Social Security Scotland provides PADP at the same weekly rate as Attendance Allowance: the lower rate is £76.70 and the higher rate is £114.60. Payments are usually issued every four weeks, amounting to £306.80 and £458.40 per payment period.
Full details on how to apply 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 continue to apply for Attendance Allowance through the DWP.
The Social Security Independent Advocacy Service, funded by the Scottish Government, provides support making a claim. Advice Direct Scotland is the new provider of this service through their dedicated platform advocacy.scot. You can contact Advice Direct Scotland by calling 0808 196 8901 or emailing support@advocacy.scot. Social Security Scotland can also help you apply for Pension Age Disability Payment.
