Adult Disability Payment is set to replace Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for new claimants in seven more council areas next month. This follows on from another launch in Angus, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire which started on June 20.
Some 313,620 existing PIP claimants in Scotland will not start to transfer from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits system to Social Security Scotland until this summer. People already receiving PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA Adult), do not need to re-apply for the devolved disability payment as the phased rollout is for new applicants only.
The rollout of Adult Disability Payment means that people of working age with a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition, living in Fife, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Moray, North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire or South Ayrshire can apply directly for financial support from the Scottish Government from July 25. Applying has been made easier due to a key change to the way supporting information can be submitted.
Minister for social security Ben Macpherson explained: “We are taking a positive, responsible and compassionate approach to delivering disability benefits, centred around our principles of dignity, fairness and respect.
“People can apply for Adult Disability Payment in the way that suits them best. As well as online and over the phone, local delivery staff can provide pre-application advice and encourage people to take up their entitlements. I encourage those who think they could be eligible to check and apply.”
Social Security Scotland have shared a sample document of the full application for - parts one and two - online which is a great way for anyone thinking shout applying to familiarise themselves with the questions they will need to answer.
By comparison to the current DWP PIP form, it offers additional advice in help boxes down the left hand side of each page giving clarity on the questions and offering examples.
Each question also has a clear description of what is being asked with examples of how your condition may affect you.
One of the advantages of applying online is that a new claimant can also submit their supporting information along with their completed form (or at a later date).
The form also offers help if you need assistance getting information from people involved in your care - just call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 to find out more about this.
But the game-changer is how you are able to send supporting information.
Social Security Scotland explains that uploading your documents online is the fastest way to get them to them.
You can save a scan of your document or take a picture with a smartphone - there’s even a link to help you with this process.
You can always submit documents by post too - just remember never to send original documents, always send a copy.
You can read more about this and view the full sample Adult Disability Payment form online here.
Mr Macpherson also emphasised: “Our approach to delivering disability benefits has been designed with people with lived experience of disability benefits and we are taking a different approach to that of the UK Government.
“People will be treated with dignity and respect, and we will start from a position of trust. There will be no private sector assessors and clients will be given greater choice to help them, including times and locations of meetings, with home visits available.”
Below is an overview of the new benefit including who can claim, how to apply and how much you could be awarded.
What is Adult Disability Payment?
Adult Disability Payment is extra money to help you if you have a disability or long-term health condition that affects your everyday life.
Similar to PIP, it is made up of two parts - Daily Living and Mobility. You may qualify for one or both parts and the amount you get depends on how your condition affects your ability to do everyday activities and get around.
It does not matter if you're working or not and your income and savings are not taken into account.
Daily Living part
You may qualify for the daily living part if you need help with:
- preparing food
- taking nutrition (eating and drinking)
- managing therapy or monitoring a health condition
- washing and bathing
- managing toilet needs or incontinence
- dressing and undressing
- communicating verbally
- reading and understanding signs, symbols and words
- engaging socially with other people face to face
- making budgeting decisions
If you are awarded the Daily Living part you will be paid:
- Standard rate - £61.85 each week
- Enhanced rate - £92.40 each week
If you are terminally ill you will automatically get the enhanced daily living award.
Mobility part
You may qualify for the mobility part if you need help with planning and following a journey, or moving around.
If you are awarded the mobility part you will be paid:
- Standard rate - £24.45 a week
- Enhanced rate - £64.50 a week
If you get an enhanced award for the mobility part, you can apply to lease an accessible vehicle - find out more here.
How will Adult Disability Payment be paid?
It is usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid every week.
It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.
Who can apply for Adult Disability Payment?
You do not need to apply for Adult Disability Payment if you already get PIP or DLA from the DWP.
Social Security Scotland will move your benefit to Adult Disability Payment without you having to do anything. Find out more about how your benefit is moving to Social Security Scotland here.
You can apply for Adult Disability Payment if you have either a:
- disability or long-term physical or mental health condition
- terminal illness
You can still apply if you're waiting for a diagnosis.
You need to be between 16 and State Pension age (66).
You cannot get PIP and Adult Disability Payment at the same time.
When can you apply?
Applications for Adult Disability Payment will open over the next few months.
You will be able to apply on or after:
- Now : if you live in Dundee City, Perth and Kinross or the Western Isles
- Now : if you live in Angus, North Lanarkshire or South Lanarkshire
- July 25 : if you live in Fife, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Moray, North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire or South Ayrshire
- August 29: if you live elsewhere in Scotland
Check online if you qualify for Adult Disability Payment
You can apply for Adult Disability Payment if you have a disability or long-term health condition that affects your everyday life.
You can also check if you meet the other requirements to qualify for Adult Disability Payment before you start an application.
The simple online tool asks questions about:
- where you live
- any restrictions on your right to live in the UK
- if you're on other benefits
- your age
You will not be asked about your disability or health condition.
If you do not qualify for Adult Disability Payment, the Social Security Scotland tool will tell you what other benefits you may be able to claim.
Check if you qualify for Adult Disability Payment here.
To keep up to date with the latest benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group here, follow Record Money on Twitter here, or subscribe to our twice weekly newsletter here.
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