The Adult Disability Payment is set to replace the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for new claimants in seven other council areas next month. This follows 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 transferring from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit system to Social Security Scotland until this summer. People who are already receiving PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA Adult) do not need to re-apply for the Decentralized Disability Payment, as the phased roll-out is for new applicants only.
The rollout of Disability Payment for Adults 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 with a key change in how additional information can be submitted.
Social Security Minister Ben Macpherson said: “We take a positive, responsible and compassionate approach to disability benefits, centered on our principles of dignity, fairness and respect.
“People can apply for the Disabled Adult Payment in any way that suits them best. In addition to online and telephone services, local delivery staff can provide pre-claim advice and encourage people to claim their rights. I encourage those who think they might be eligible to check out and apply.
Social Security Scotland has shared a sample full application document – parts one and two – online, which is a great way for anyone thinking of applying to familiarize themselves with the questions they will need to answer.
Compared to the current DWP PIP form, it offers additional guidance in help boxes on the left side of each page to clarify questions and provide examples.
Each question also contains a clear description of what is being asked with examples of how your condition may affect you.
One of the benefits of applying online is that a new applicant can also submit their supporting information with their completed form (or at a later date).
The form also offers help if you need help 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 can send additional information.
Social Security Scotland says uploading your documents online is the quickest way to get them.
You can save a scan of your document or take a photo 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 complete sample payment form for adults with disabilities online. here.
Mr Macpherson also stressed: “Our approach to the delivery of disability benefits has been designed with people with lived experience of disability benefits and we take 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 have more choices to help them, including meeting times and locations, with home visits available.
Below is an overview of the new benefit, including who can apply, how to apply and how much you could receive.
What is the Disabled Adult Payment?
Adult Disability Payment is extra money to help you if you have a disability or long-term health condition that affects your daily life.
Similar to the PIP, it is made up of two parts – Daily Life and Mobility. You may be eligible for one or both parts and the amount you receive depends on how your condition affects your ability to carry out daily activities and move around.
It does not matter whether you are working or not and your income and savings are not taken into account.
Daily life part
You may be eligible for the daily living portion if you need help with:
- prepare food
- feed (eat and drink)
- manage a therapy or monitor a health condition
- wash and bath
- managing toileting needs or incontinence
- dressing and undressing
- communicate verbally
- read and understand signs, symbols and words
- engage socially with other people face to face
- make budget decisions
If you benefit from the Daily Life part, you will be paid:
- Standard rate – £61.85 per week
- Improved rate – £92.40 per week
If you are terminally ill, you will automatically receive the Enhanced Daily Living Allowance.
Mobility part
You can benefit from the mobility part if you need help to plan and follow a trip, or to move around.
If you benefit from the mobility part, you will be paid:
- Standard rate – £24.45 per week
- Improved rate – £64.50 per week
If you get an enhanced bonus for the mobility component, you can apply to rent an accessible vehicle – find out more here.
How will the disabled adult payment be paid?
It is usually paid every four weeks, unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly.
It will be paid directly into your bank account, building society or credit union.
Whether you get one or both and how much depends on the severity of your condition.
Who can apply for Disabled Adult Payment?
You do not need to apply for Disabled Adult Payment if you are already receiving a PIP or DLA from the DWP.
Social Security Scotland will transfer your benefit to the adult disability payment without you having to do anything. Find out more about transferring your benefits to Social Security Scotland here.
You can apply for a disabled adult payment if you have either:
- long-term physical or mental health problem or disability
- terminal illness
You can still apply if you are awaiting a diagnosis.
You must be between 16 and the legal retirement age (66).
You cannot get the PIP and the disabled adult payment at the same time.
When can you apply?
Payment applications for adults with disabilities will be open in the coming months.
You can 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 the Disabled Adult Payment
You can apply for the Disabled Adult Payment if you have a long-term disability or health condition that affects your daily life.
You can also check if you meet the other requirements to qualify for the Disabled Adult 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 have other benefits
- your age
You will not be asked questions about your disability or your state of health.
If you are not eligible for the Disabled Adult Payment, the Social Security Scotland tool will tell you what other benefits you may be eligible for.
Check if you are eligible for the Disabled Adult Payment here.
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