Adult Disability Payment will replace PIP for claimants in Scotland in seven more council areas this month, following on from the recent launch in Angus, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire at the end of June. Thousands of pre-existing PIP claimants in Scotland will start to transfer from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) system to Social Security Scotland this summer, in a move predicted to be completed by the end of 2025.
The introduction of the new benefit means that people of working age with a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition in certain areas can apply directly for financial support from the Scottish Government from July 25.
The areas that it is being introduced include Fife, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Moray, North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire or South Ayrshire.
People living elsewhere who have not received the payment in Scotland can apply from August 29.
The Scottish Government has said Adult Disability Payment aims to bring positive change to the people applying for disability assistance for the first time and those already receiving PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
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Ben Macpherson, minister for social security reassured new claimants at the North Lanarkshire launch that the Scottish process will have a people-centric approach.
He explained: “We are taking a positive, responsible and compassionate approach to delivering disability benefits, centred around our principles of dignity, fairness and respect.
“Adult Disability Payment is the twelfth Scottish benefit to be introduced, and without doubt the most complex.
“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.
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When can you apply?
Applications for Adult Disability Payment will open over the next few months.
People can apply on or after:
- Now: if they live in Dundee City, Perth and Kinross or the Western Isles
- Now: if they live in Angus, North Lanarkshire or South Lanarkshire
- July 25: if they live in Fife, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Moray, North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire or South Ayrshire
- August 29: if they live elsewhere in Scotland
Britons can apply for Adult Disability Payment if they have a disability or long-term health condition that affects their everyday life.
People can also check if they meet the other requirements to qualify for Adult Disability Payment before they start an application.
The simple online tool asks questions about:
- Where someone lives
- Any restrictions on their right to live in the UK
- If they’re on other benefits
- Their age
They will not be asked about their disability or health condition.
If someone does not qualify for Adult Disability Payment, the Social Security Scotland tool will tell them what other benefits they may be able to claim.
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