New figures from Social Security Scotland show there are now 504,710 people receiving Adult Disability Payment (ADP), the devolved benefit that has replaced all new and existing claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland.
The data also shows the average time to process a new claim for ADP is now 62 working days, just over 12 weeks. This means people making a new claim in June could have an award decision by November, although some applications can be processed quicker or take longer.
Payment rates and common conditions
A successful claim for ADP is worth between £30.30 and £194.60 each week, some £121.20 and £778.40 every four-week pay period, to help with the additional costs of daily living and mobility needs. The most common category of primary disabling conditions for people in receipt of ADP was Mental and Behavioural disorders, which accounted for 40 per cent of the caseload.
This was followed by Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue which accounted for 24 per cent of the caseload, and Diseases of the Nervous System which accounted for seven per cent.
The Diseases of the Eye and Adnexa category had the highest proportion of both care and mobility awards (86%). This category had high numbers of claimants receiving the enhanced rate of each component with 73 per cent receiving the enhanced rate of daily living, and 83 per cent receiving the enhanced rate of mobility.
Award lengths and reviews
When a person is awarded ADP, Social Security Scotland will set a review date to ensure the financial support meets the needs of the claimant. Awards can be issued for anywhere between 24 months and 10 years, however, some people may be given an ‘indefinite award’ with no review date.
Social Security Scotland reviews take place at a time when a person’s needs are likely to have changed, to ensure their payment continues to be at the right level. Payments will continue while a review is taking place and claimants do not need to re-apply during the process.
You may be given an indefinite award with no review date for ADP if your needs are highly unlikely to change, or if you are awarded the enhanced rate of both the daily living and mobility components of ADP. Guidance on mygov.scot states: “This means your award will not be reviewed in the future unless you tell us that something has changed.”
Eligibility and application
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 (or both) for 3 months, and expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 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.
If you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying: preparing, cooking or eating food; managing your medication; washing, bathing or using the toilet; dressing and undressing; engaging and communicating with other people; reading and understanding written information; making decisions about money; planning a journey or following a route; moving around.
ADP and PIP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It is paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
ADP and PIP are made up of two components: daily living and mobility. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Daily living standard rate £76.70, enhanced rate £114.60; Mobility standard rate £30.30, enhanced rate £80.00.
For PIP, you will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional. Face-to-face consultations are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments. Adult Disability Payment consultations will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant, and will be conducted by in-house Social Security Scotland staff.
You can make a new claim for PIP by contacting the DWP. Before you call, you will need your contact details, date of birth, National Insurance number, bank or building society account number and sort code, doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number, and dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital.
People can apply for ADP over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
