A NEW Scottish benefit is set to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults.
More than 66,000 adults in Scotland who currently receive the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are set to be moved to a new benefit, Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, by the end of the year.
The new benefit will be managed by Social Security Scotland, taking over from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Do I have to do anything to move my DLA?
People getting DLA do not need to do anything, as the transfer will be automatic.
Social Security Scotland will send letters to inform people when their benefit is being moved and another when the move is complete.
The transfer process is expected to take between four and eight weeks.
What DLA awards are moving to Scottish Adult DLA?
From March 21, 2025, all adults in Scotland still getting DLA from DWP will move to Scottish Adult DLA.
Before Scottish Adult DLA was introduced on March 21, 2025, some people born on or after April 9, 1948 may have had their award moved to Adult Disability Payment.
This was so changes in their disability or health condition could be reviewed against Adult Disability Payment instead of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) with DWP.
Will the amount received change?
Those who receive the payment will keep getting regular DLA payments from DWP until their benefit moves.
There will be no gap in people's entitlement. Recipients will be paid the same amount when their benefit moves to Scottish Adult DLA.
When will my DLA move?
The move will happen in stages. It will not happen to everyone at the same time.
The process started on 21 March 2025. It will take until the end of 2025 to move everyone’s benefit to Scottish Adult DLA.
Why are the Scottish Government doing this?
The Scottish Government has sought to apply devolved powers over welfare benefits with greater dignity for claimants and less intrusive assessments than they have had from the UK Department of Work and Pensions.
Scottish Adult DLA was introduced to provide support for adults who were still getting DLA on March 21, 2025.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "I am pleased work has begun to transfer the benefit awards of every adult in Scotland currently getting DLA to our new benefit.
"I want to reassure people affected that their payments will transfer safely and securely, with no gaps or reductions to the support they receive.
"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring everyone gets the financial support they’re entitled to and this has not changed following the UK Government’s announcement on welfare."
