The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that people living in England or Wales on Attendance Allowance (AA) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) who move to Scotland must now make a new claim to the equivalent Scottish benefit, rather than having their case automatically transferred.
The rule change came into effect earlier this year, following the completion of Attendance Allowance and DLA case transfers to Social Security Scotland. It means the rules now apply to everyone on a DWP-delivered disability benefit who permanently moves from England or Wales to Scotland, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance for Children (DLAc) and Carer’s Allowance.
New Claims Required for Scottish Benefits
According to the DWP, Attendance Allowance customers who move permanently from England or Wales to Scotland now need to make a new claim to Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). DLA customers in the same situation must contact Social Security Scotland to discuss entitlement to Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA).
Previously, people on these benefits who moved permanently had their cases automatically transferred to the equivalent benefit administered by Social Security Scotland. Under the new rules, individuals must proactively apply for the replacement benefits—Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment and Carer Support Payment—as soon as possible after the move to minimise payment disruptions.
Steps to Avoid Payment Gaps
Before applying to Social Security Scotland, people must inform the DWP or the Department of Communities in Northern Ireland about their move. Older people on DLA will also need to notify their benefit provider and contact Social Security Scotland to request Scottish Adult DLA.
The DWP and the Department of Communities in Northern Ireland will continue to pay PIP, DLA for children and Carer's Allowance for 13 weeks after someone moves to Scotland. Applying early is advised due to claims processing times, and successful applicants may have payments backdated to the day after their DWP benefit ended.
Guidance and Support Available
Social Security Scotland’s Chief Operating Officer Karyn Dunning said: “It’s vital disabled people and carers who move to Scotland take action to ensure they continue to get the financial support they are entitled to.”
She added: “We know applying for benefits can feel daunting, especially alongside moving to a new country, but there is an in-depth guide available on mygov.scot. Our staff are also here to answer questions and help people apply. We can provide help over the phone, through webchat or through a face-to-face appointment with one of our community-based advisors.”
Dunning also noted: “I urge people not to put off applying. The Scottish approach to benefits is very different from that of the DWP. For example, we do not use private sector assessors to make decisions. Our system is built on the principles of dignity, fairness and respect, and we want disabled people and carers to get every penny they’re entitled to.”
A full guide to benefits for people moving to Scotland is available on MYGOV.SCOT, and more information can be obtained by calling Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
