The latest figures from Social Security Scotland show that by the end of October 2022, merely 3,500 people across Scotland were receiving Adult Disability Payment. The new disability benefit is replacing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for those aged under 65 on April 8, 2013.
A total of £6.6 million has been paid to thousands of disabled adults since the new devolved benefit was introduced last March in a phased rollout across all 32 council areas before launching nationwide at the end of August. Similar to PIP, Adult Disability Payment is designed to help cover the extra costs of being disabled, having a long-term health condition or terminal illness.
Almost a quarter (24%) of those receiving the benefit at the end of October were from Dundee City and almost a fifth (17%) were from Perth and Kinross. Around one in 10 (11%) were from North Lanarkshire with the same proportion coming from South Lanarkshire.
The most common age group for applicants was 55-64, representing 25 per cent of applications made. Around three per cent of applications were from those aged 16-18.
In August, the Scottish Government changed the eligibility criteria so people who receive Child Disability Payment could continue to do so up until they turn 18.
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of October there were 329,334 people living in Scotland claiming PIP. Case transfers from DWP to the devolved welfare system began in mid-June and the data shows that 335 existing PIP claimants have now moved to Social Security Scotland.
Existing PIP and DLA claimants do not need to apply for Adult Disability Payment, the transfer is automatic and there is no break in payments.
The process is being done in stages and expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Existing PIP and DLA claimants will receive a letter from Social Security Scotland telling them about the transfer, which takes around three months to complete.
In total, there were 5,665 applications processed with a decision made by the end of October, of those:
- 62% were authorised
- 23% were denied
- 15% were withdrawn
Award rates
Interestingly and probably encouragingly for new claimants, Social Security Scotland has awarded the enhanced rate of both the daily living part and mobility part at more than twice the rate of standard rate.
Initial daily living award
- Enhanced rate: 70%
- Standard rate: 30%
Initial mobility award
- Enhanced rate: 66%
- Standard rate: 34%
New claim processing time
The processing times showed that of applications that had received a decision by the end of October, just over half (51%) were processed in between 31 and 60 working days.
Processing time has increased, on average, since September following the national rollout at the end of August.
Adult Disability Payment rates 2023/24
Adult Disability Payment is paid at the same rate as PIP and will be uprated by 10.1% in April.
Daily Living Component
- Enhanced: £101.75 (from £92.40)
- Standard: £68.10 (from £61.85)
Mobility Component
- Enhanced: £71.00 (from £64.50)
- Standard: £26.90 (from £24.45)
People can apply Adult Disability Payment online, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
To keep up to date with the latest benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out four times each week - sign up here.
READ NEXT
PIP claimants most-likely to receive an ongoing award with a 'light touch' review after 10 years
- DWP confirms payment schedule for new cost of living cash support for 8m households
- People making new claim for PIP may not need to attend an assessment this year
Claim PIP for 87 muscle or joint conditions and you could get up to £156 each week tax-free
New disability payment replacing PIP may include ‘informal observations’ during the consultation
