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 applicants understand the process, know what information to supply and access additional help when making an application.
The agency administers and delivers Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP) and Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). These devolved benefits provide additional financial support to people with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition. They have replaced all new claims for disability benefits previously delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) — Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance for Children (DLA for Children) and Attendance Allowance.
What the devolved disability benefits pay
Adult Disability Payment is extra money for people with a disability or long-term health condition that affects everyday life. It is made up of two parts — a daily living and a mobility component — and claimants might qualify for one or both. The amount received depends on how the condition affects the ability to do everyday activities and get around.
Weekly rates for the daily living component are £76.70 at the standard rate and £114.60 at the enhanced rate. For the mobility component, the standard rate is £30.30 and the enhanced rate is £80.00.
Child Disability Payment supports the extra costs a disabled child might have. Applications can be made for a child under 16 with a mental or physical disability, including cases where the child does not have a diagnosis — in such cases, applicants can tell Social Security Scotland how the child is affected and any symptoms they may have. The payment is tax-free and made up of care and mobility components.
Weekly care rates are £30.30 at the lowest rate, £76.70 at the middle rate and £114.60 at the highest rate. Mobility rates are £30.30 at the lower rate and £80.00 at the higher rate.
Pension Age Disability Payment provides extra money for people with care needs due to a disability or long-term health condition who have reached State Pension age. It is tax-free and made up of two rates, with no mobility component. Weekly rates are £76.70 at the lower rate and £114.60 at the higher rate.
Social Security Scotland tips for new claimants
Social Security Scotland offers multiple ways to apply for its benefits. Applications can be made online, by post, by phone, or in person through advisors based in local communities across Scotland. A dedicated fast-track route is available to people who are terminally ill to make it easier and quicker for them to get the money they are entitled to.
People qualify for Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment or Pension Age Disability Payment based on the impact of their condition on their 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 encouraged applicants to be open about their condition. It explained: "Many people find it difficult to focus on the things they or their child cannot do because of their disability or health condition. 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, such as a doctor, physiotherapist, or social worker, before making a decision on a disability benefit application. People often have supporting information they can include with their application, such as care plans, medical reports and prescription lists. Sharing this can help speed up the process. The agency said it can also collect supporting information on someone's behalf if they do not have any, which can take time but is a vital service for many people.
Free help to apply for benefits is available from many sources. Social Security Scotland can support people to apply over the phone on 0800 182 2222 or via webchat. In-person help is available from the organisation's local advisors based in communities across Scotland — applicants can get in touch to request an appointment.
Support is also available from the independent advocacy service Advocacy.scot, operated by Advice Direct Scotland. It can be contacted for free by calling 0808 196 8901, visiting Advocacy.scot or emailing support@advocacy.scot. Organisations including Citizens Advice Scotland, Macmillan Cancer Support and local authority welfare rights teams can also help.
