THE Scottish Government has opened nationwide applications for a new benefit payment.
The national rollout of the Pension Age Disability Payment, which replaces the UK Government’s Attendance Allowance, began on Tuesday after a pilot scheme across 18 of Scotland’s 32 council areas.
The payment is meant to help people of State Pension age who are disabled or have a long-term health condition to afford the additional costs involved in looking after themselves or staying safe.
The SNP Government said it will be the 15th benefit which they deliver through the increasingly devolved system.
They added that anyone currently claiming the Attendance Allowance through the UK Government “do not need to take any action” – the transfer to the new devolved benefit will happen automatically in phases throughout 2025.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The national launch of Pension Age Disability Payment is an important milestone in the development of our social security system, that will treat everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.
“The pilot phases have allowed us to put our different approach into practice, learning and improving before rolling the benefit out across Scotland.
“It is vital older people who are disabled, terminally ill or those who have care needs get the money they need to help them look after themselves, stay safe and live with dignity.
“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 benefit reforms.”
“Our Older People’s Economic Wellbeing Index Scotland found that one in four (24%) people in later life with a health condition are not aware of disability related social security payments,” Horne said.
“This is money for people of State Pension age who are disabled, have a long-term health condition, or are terminally ill. It is not means tested.
“For older people who think they might be eligible, they can find out more from Independent Age’s new Pension Age Disability Payment guide. This is free and has up to date advice on what the entitlement is and how to claim. It is available through the Independent Age website or by calling our free helpline on 0800 319 6789 to request a copy. Our helpline and advice team can also advise any older people who are unsure whether or not they could be eligible for the payment.”
Age Scotland chief executive Katherine Crawford said: “Pension Age Disability Payment will be a vital means of support for older people who have a disability or long-term health condition.
“With rising bills and cost of living stretching many beyond their means, it’s vital that older people are not missing out on any financial support.
“If you are unsure of your eligibility or looking for support with an application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222, use our online benefits calculator at www.age.scot/benefitscalculator, or book a place on one of our new workshops which are designed to support and give guidance to anyone who is considering an application for themselves or someone else www.age.scot/benefitsworkshops.”
