Adult Disability Payment is gradually replacing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for existing claimants living in Scotland. The devolved benefit provides the same financial support as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for people between 16 and State Pension age, who are disabled, have a long-term health condition or have a terminal illness.
People already receiving PIP do not need to apply for Adult Disability Payment as the migration will be automatic. Case transfers from DWP to the Social Security Scotland IT system are being carried out in stages with PIP transfers expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Guidance on MyGov.Scot states that the date you’re given for the transfer will “usually depend on your review date” for PIP. However, it adds that your case may be fast-tracked if a change in circumstances is reported to DWP, your award is due to end or you have a terminal illness.
Social Security Scotland - the devolved welfare system that delivers Adult Disability Payment - also posted an update on social media in February reminding existing PIP claimants to update DWP with any changes in their circumstances until they have been transferred. Failing to report certain changes could result in benefit payments being stopped.
In the post on Twitter from the official Social Security Scotland account, it said: “If you are still getting PIP or DLA it is essential that you continue to keep @DWP up to date with any changes to your circumstances.
“We will write to you to let you know when your award has moved to Social Security Scotland.”
It will take approximately three to four months to transfer someone’s award to the devolved welfare system and Social Security Scotland said it will write to people to inform them when to expect their first Adult Disability Payment along with other important information including how to ensure they continue to receive any other benefits from DWP or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Below is everything you need to know about which changes you need to report to DWP.
Change of circumstances
Guidance on GOV.UK states that you must contact the PIP enquiry line if:
- your personal details change, for example your name, address or doctor
- the help you need or your condition changes
- your condition has worsened and you’re not expected to live more than 6 months
- you go into hospital or a care home
- you go abroad
- you’re imprisoned or held in detention
- your immigration status has changed, if you’re not a British citizen
The GOV.UK website also contains an important warning that states: “You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances.”
Which means that if you have recently moved home or switched to a new health practice, do not put off reporting the change any longer.
When you might have to repay money received
You may have to repay money you have received if you:
Did not report a change straight away
Gave wrong information
Were overpaid by mistake
Find out how to repay the money you owe from benefit overpayment here.
How to report a change of circumstances to DWP
Before making the call you will need your National Insurance number, bank account details and your GP name and address in order for the DWP to verify your identity.
The PIP enquiry line is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm:
- Telephone: 0800 121 4433 (option 5)
- Textphone: 0800 121 4493
- Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 121 4433
- Video relay service for British Sign Language (BSL) users - check you can use the service here.
Find our more information on the GOV.UK website here.
To keep up to date with the latest disability benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
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