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Scottish Disability Payments
Building better Disability Payments
From August 29th 2022, working-age disabled people anywhere in Scotland will be able to apply for Adult Disability Payment. This replaces Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and is administered by Social Security Scotland rather than the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
What happens to existing claimants?
Anyone who lives in Scotland and is already receiving PIP or DLA will be automatically transferred, so you don’t have to do anything. The amount of money you receive will be the same and it will be paid on the same day. Social Security Scotland will not review or reassess the award as it is transferred.
The transition is expected to take until Summer 2024 to complete. Meanwhile, people on PIP or DLA should continue to report any change of circumstances to the DWP and to answer any of their questions, including on PIP reviews or renewal forms.
People who live outside the UK
If you live outside the UK and you receive PIP, you will need to ask the DWP for your benefit to be transferred to Adult Disability Payment, if you have a “genuine and sufficient link” to Scotland.
A genuine and sufficient link is where you do not live in Scotland, but have a link to the country. For example, you or a family member have spent a significant part of their life in Scotland.
Notifying other Organisations
If you get any additional benefits because you receive PIP or DLA, you will still be eligible for these when you get Adult Disability Payment.
If you get benefits or services from other organisations such as the local council, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) or the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), you need to tell them when your benefit is moved to Adult Disability Payment.
You can find contact details here: www.mygov.scot/related-benefits/moving-from-dwp (external link will open in a new browser tab or window).
What about Motability leases?
If you currently have a Motability vehicle, scooter or powerchair, you don’t need to do anything. Social Security Scotland will notify Motability and take over the remaining monthly payments on the lease.
If your lease ends during the move from PIP to ADP, you can renew with Motability.
Once your current lease comes to an end, you will be able to lease a vehicle from the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment (AVE) scheme.
Update March 2022 – Ending fixed term reviews for people with lifelong conditions.
Disabled people with the most serious lifelong health conditions will have more financial security under Scotland’s social security system.
Adult Disability Payment will replace the UK Government’s Personal Independence Payment (PIP). It will open for new applications in pilot areas starting this month.
Disabled people on the highest components of the new benefit and whose needs are highly unlikely to change will be eligible for an “indefinite award”. In effect, this will mean they will not be subject to reviews and can rely on their new benefit into the long-term.
People with ongoing awards of Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance do not need to make an application for Adult Disability Payment. They will be contacted from this summer to let them know when their awards will automatically be moved safely and securely to Adult Disability Payment.
Social Security Minister Ben Macpherson said:
“The introduction of indefinite awards, as part of Adult Disability Payment, underlines our commitment to deliver on the principles of Scotland’s social security system to treat people with dignity, fairness and respect. In making this decision, we have engaged with a wide range of people with lived experience of the current system and will continue to listen as we design and build a social security system that works for disabled people.
“We want to ensure that people on the highest levels of Adult Disability Payment awards receive long-term and adequate support, because those with lifelong conditions, or disabilities resulting in needs highly unlikely to change, should not be subject to unnecessary reviews when it is reasonably expected that their situation will not change.
“Under the UK Government’s Personal Independence Payment, similar awards have generally been reviewed between every 2 to 10 years. However, disabled people tell us that even review periods of 10 years can create stress and anxiety. That is why we have decided to introduce indefinite awards – we are determined to do things differently and build a more compassionate system in Scotland.”
Update February 2022 – Independent Advocacy service launched
Disabled people can now access a new advocacy service if they need help to apply for Scottish social security benefits.
It is available to applicants for any of Social Security Scotland’s current and future benefits, including Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment.
It also covers advocacy support for disabled people to access payments for families with children, people who need help to pay for a funeral, carers and young people entering the workplace.
Go down to more info about what an advocate does
Independent charity providing advocacy service
This service will be delivered by the charity VoiceAbility and is entirely independent of the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland.
The Scottish Government has committed up to £20.4 million over the next four years to the provision of the new Independent Advocacy Service.
To enable them to deliver this service, VoiceAbility will create up to 100 new advocacy jobs across the country over the next four years, with a head office and dedicated training centre in Glasgow.
Chief Executive of VoiceAbility Jonathan Senker said:
“We are proud to have established a new base in Scotland to provide this Independent Advocacy Service. Our team of skilled advocates will cover the length and breadth of Scotland to provide bespoke support to disabled people to apply for benefits from Social Security Scotland.
“The advocacy we provide will support disabled people to make sure their voices are heard when it matters most and will mean that more people know and understand their rights when applying for Social Security Scotland benefits. We are excited about the difference this service will make to disabled people.”
Disabled people can access this support by calling Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 and asking to be referred to the Independent Advocacy Service.
What does an advocate do?
An advocate is someone who supports you to try and get the outcome you want.
They can help you to:
• apply for a benefit
• speak up and make sure your views are understood
• be fully involved and able to make decisions
• ask questions and get the information you need
• understand your Benefits rights
• express your rights, views, and wishes including what you want to achieve
They will not:
• give you advice
• make decisions for you
• speak for you if you’re able to speak for yourself, unless you ask them to
• give their own views or opinions
An advocate cannot be a friend or family member.
Update November 2020
This month, the Scottish government has announced the new timetable for rollout of disability assistance benefits. The original schedule has been disrupted by the pandemic.
Child Disability Payment will be the next new benefit to be introduced. Social Security Scotland will start taking applications from summer 2021 as part of a pilot, ahead of a full roll-out across the country from autumn 2021.
Adult Disability Payment will be piloted from spring 2022 and available across the country by summer 2022.
Child Disability Payment will replace the DWP’s Disability Living Allowance for Children and Adult Disability Payment will replace Personal Independence Payment.
Staged transfers to be completed by 2025
People who currently get UK Government disability benefits will be transferred to the new Scottish system in stages after the new benefits are introduced. This work is expected to be completed to the previously announced timeline of 2025.
Once Adult Disability Payment has been rolled out, anyone on Personal Independence Payment or Working Age Disability Living Allowance who reports a change in condition, has an upcoming review date, or is about to reach the end of their DWP award period, will transfer to Social Security Scotland so that they do not have to undergo a DWP face-to-face assessment.
Update October 2020
Despite coronavirus slowing everything down, Social Security Scotland is still working on the transition process for disability benefits.
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, Shirley-Anne Somerville, has now announced the new names for three important benefits. The names have been chosen following consultations with Experience Panels, made up of people who have to interact with the benefits system.
So the new benefits will be:
• Child Disability Payment (replacing Disability Living Allowance for Children)
• Adult Disability Payment (replacing Personal Independence Payment)
• Pension Age Disability Payment (replacing Attendance Allowance)
Certainly more consistent and easily understood than the legacy benefits they are replacing.
Delivering in the time of COVID
Understandably, the original timetable for transition of Benefits to the devolved government has been put back by the pandemic.
The next phase is widescale delivery of the three key benefits above, and Social Security Scotland is currently working on a new timetable which will enable them to achieve this reliably and securely.
This section will be updated with more information when it is available. Meanwhile, you can download Disability Assistance position papers from the Gov.Scot website (external link will open in a new browser window)
We have information about claiming various carer and disability benefits here.
Future Social Security Scotland benefits
Social Security Scotland will have responsibility for delivering 11 devolved benefits to 1.4 million people a year, worth around £3.3 billion.
It will employ at least 1,500 staff, which will make it one of largest executive agencies of the Scottish Government. Estimated running costs are about £150 million a year.
The head office is in Dundee, with another major base in Glasgow. In addition to these head office and central admin facilities, the agency will also have a local presence with additional staff working across the country. This is to ensure that applicants have more localised support, and that the economic benefit and jobs are also spread across all parts of Scotland.
No outsourcing to private sector
Crucially, benefit assessments will not be outsourced to private sector providers, a practice which has delivered poor results and caused great stress for claimants.
More than 500,000 existing cases will be transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). These are people in Scotland who already receive one or more of the benefits that are being devolved, and it is clearly a significant portion of Scotland’s population.
Carers Allowance is already paid by Social Security Scotland, at a higher rate than in the rest of the United Kingdom.
Applications for Social Security Experience Panels
To ensure a fairer system, the Scottish Government wants people from any background with experience of the current benefits system to join the Social Security Experience Panels.
Ethnic minorities, those living in rural communities and people under 25 are being particularly encouraged to apply, so that panels are as representative as possible.
The 2,400 panel members who have signed up so far are helping shape every detail of Social Security Scotland – from the opening hours to the design of benefit application forms.
Members are regularly asked for their views in a number of ways, including workshops, interviews and surveys that can be carried out face-to-face, on the phone and online.
Panels have been running for two years and will run for at least two more.
You can apply online (external link will open in a new browser window) or by calling 0800 029 4974.
Applications can also be completed on paper forms, which can be requested on the number above or by emailing socialsecurityexperience@gov.scot.
Which benefits are devolved?
In total, eleven benefits have been devolved to the Scottish Parliament by the Smith Commission.
They are:
• Personal Independence Payment
• Disability Living Allowance
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Industrial injuries benefits
• Cold Weather Payments
• Winter Fuel Payments
• Discretionary Housing Payments
• Funeral Expenses Payments – now replaced in Scotland by Funeral Support Payment
• Sure Start Maternity Grant
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
All but one, Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP), will be paid by the Social Security agency. They amount to some £2.8 billion annually.
DHPs – which mitigate the effects of the Bedroom Tax – are paid by local authorities.
Article ends – click to return to top or check out related resources below
Further reading and resources
Third sector organisations to be paid for providing supporting information for claimants of Disability Payments
Towards a National Care Service in Scotland
National Strategy for Disabled People
We have information here about Carer’s Act Scotland
Scottish government approach to the bedroom tax
In Northern Ireland, Ombudsman finds “systemic maladministration” in PIP application process
We have information about Independent Living Fund Scotland
66 Replies to “Scottish Disability Payments”
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I got a letter recently saying I’m being moved to ADP and will get a review letter as last review was 6 years ago My PIP award was for 6 yrs until Feb 2024. Do I now have to do a full new reassessment again for ADP?
Hello Lorna
Social Security Scotland don’t reassess you as you are transferred from the DWP, they just continue paying you the same amount. Presumably, though, you will get notification about a reassessment as your current award comes towards an end.
It is the intention of the Scottish government that assessments are more compassionate and less stressful for applicants – hence the lack of private companies involved in the procedure.
Best wishes, Frances
Hi frances
I’m being transferred from PIP to adult disability payment, I completed the forms but also had to complete the change of circumstances form as my medication had changed slightly but my condition hasn’t changed at all. Will this delay them giving me a decision? I’ve read online there is a big delay in getting a response from them. I hope this isn’t the case. They received my forms 2 weeks ago but haven’t looked at them yet.
Hi, I was due a review in February 2023 of PIP, I was told I would move across to Adult Disability payments and I would receive a review pack by April 24th 2023, no pack yet arrived, Already great anxiety/worry/caution being felt due to no pack. I have life long illnesses that don’t get better, they can not be cured/controlled as they are unpredictable, I have had awful experiences under previous reviews and I am feeling really ill and depressed at this review. I dint understand why I have to be reviewed every three years when I receive Enhanced rate of living component and mobility.
There is no cure for Fibromyalgia /Reynaud’s disease / irritable bowel Syndrome/ Asthma/ Under Active thyroid/depression that I suffered for 33 years, yet I have to got through the review process every three years???
This is already taking me back to the stress and trauma suffered from previous experience with DWP home/face to face assessments. I am so gutted and struggling to cope with his yet again.
I’m in receipt of pip higher rate of mobility and standard rate of care component I have an end date with DWP will I still get a review with SSS when I get transferred over to SSS? As I qualify for higher rate mobility?
Hello Scott
You shouldn’t get assessed at the point of transfer from DWP to SSS, just as you approach the end of your award period. So the review will be done by one or the other, depending on whether you have been transferred by the time you get to the end date.
Best wishes, Frances
Hi,
As an asthma patient of over 4 decades I am considering to
apply for LWCRA and for ADP as an additional financial support
towards my very limited UC of £284 per month.
To my humble knowledge, these two processes could take up to 3 months to complete and it is required to provide specific information to a certain standard which I find extremely difficult to meet in order to satisfy the decision makers.
During my attempt for PIP several years ago I was extremely stressed out and heavily medicated at the consultation which did not go very well for me.
Until now, I have not felt comfortable to reapply.
In fact, I was significantly discouraged while continuing to struggle with my asthma in silence.
At the PIP consultation I was also poorly prepared and ill advised due to my very own limited research and the lack of 3rd party support in order to fulfil the consultant’s requirements.
I had to take a quadruple dose of my medications to even make it for the very consultation in person. Due to the amount of the taken medications I was able to speak in full, but very short, sentences and I did not think clearly>
I felt very uneasy, agitated and discomforted by the excessive dose that I had to take prior to the consultation and the very fact of having to speak during this stressful situation which triggers my asthma.
Normally I do not talk to strangers, I do not socialise and I do not do anything that could easily cause my asthma attacks so I live a quiet, lonely life hoping not to die of asthma like my two other members of my family.
The result of this physical and mental discomfort during the consultation was my objection to have my blood pressure reading taken as my heart was racing, the stage fright took its toll, and I was afraid that the excessive dose of medication would cause my high blood pressure and raise further concerns or that it would disqualify me somehow.
And then, the consultant made a remark that I am able to speak in full sentences (albeit very short ones, due to my ongoing breathing issues and chest pains) and that I had made it for the appointment by myself without anyone’s help – so, therefore my condition can’t be that bad.
Immediately after the appointment my condition worsened and I could not properly control the symptoms with the regular protocol for a prolonged period of time due to the excessive dosing that caused this irregularity and chemical imbalance. The attacks became sudden and severe. A single sneeze, cough or laugh would make me suffer severe breathing and functionality difficulties for hours even while being on standard doses.
I wish to prevent this from happening again as I actually was very concerned about being able to safely control my asthma afterwards.
Currently I am very reluctant to have my long term (40 years) asthma condition assessed again for the LWCRA and for the ADP as I am fearful that I will not be treated seriously without an adequate assistance prior and during the whole process.
Please advise by email (I still suffer inability to speak properly over the telephone due to my breathing issues and chest pains impairing my verbal communication) regarding the correct preparation and approach to be successful in obtaining these additional benefit payments to which I am fully entitled.
My impression after the PIP appointment was that whatever information I was going to produce on my own, it would not be up to their standard.
I wish to apply for the LWCRA and the ADP at the earliest convenience therefore I am seeking honest advice on how to proceed without me having to hyperdose or causing strain and verbal misunderstandings.
Four months ago I contacted DWP via my UC journal regarding the LCWRA and only a few weeks ago they sent me me a telephone appointment notification.
It took them unreasonably long 3 months to arrange the telephone consultation, at which I will not be able to verbally perform satisfactorily due to my serious breathing/speaking issues.
The additional stress, anxiety and frustration only exacerbates my current speech difficulties and the irregular shallow breathing in an overwhelming event.
Recently there were multiple occurrences of me experiencing severe asthma attacks during a fatiguing and strenuous conversation where I had to verbally express details, personal circumstances, or to describe medical events and occurrences as well as the overall daily difficulties living with my condition. After a sentence or two my lungs are flaming up causing me to wheeze and experience extreme difficulty in speaking properly.
Is there an option to provide the required information in writing while being assisted in doing so by a knowledgeable advisor/advocate who is familiar with the LWCRA and ADP assessment procedures for asthma patients?
I would really appreciate any information and help to be able to have this matter resolved positively without incurring unnecessary strain of lungs or risking my health deterioration throughout the entire process.
I am looking forward to your email.
If you need any additional details in the meantime then please let me know
and I will do my best to provide them.
Kind regards
Hello Marek
I’m sorry, but we don’t have the resources to respond with individual advice about your benefit application.
If you get in touch with your local Citizens Advice, they should be able to help.
Good luck and best wishes,
Frances
Hi, i get the lower rate of the daily living pip allowance, and get the enhanced rate of mobility pip. Is there any grant schemes i can get to allow me to purchase a recliner chair to help me getting up etc due to my osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis as normal chairs means I’m in a lot of pain with both sitting and trying to get up from my chair. I’m in inverclyde Scotland. Any advice wld be very welcome.
Thank you
Hi Sharon
If you haven’t already, you should ask your local council for an Occupational Therapist to come and assess your needs. As you are experiencing such pain and difficulty moving, they may well be able to provide you with a rise and recliner chair from equipment stores.
Best wishes,
Frances
I am currently age 66 in receipt of DLA low rate care and high rate mobility. My care needs have increased over a period of time, what happens now, do i ask for a review under Adult Disability and will I still be entitled to mobility element although over retirement age. I was informed previously by DWP that the benefit would carry on as I had the mobility element prior to retirement age. Thanks for your help
Hello
The principle is the same for adult disability payment in Scotland as for PIP and DLA: so long as you qualified before retirement age, you will continue to be entitled to receive it afterwards.
Anytime you ask for a benefit review, there is a risk of being assessed as needing less support – but in Scotland, you will be assessed by Social Security, rather than a private corporation, under a system which the Scottish government has said will be different and “more compassionate” than the DWP regime.
Good luck and best wishes,
Frances
i applied for adult disability in july,had my ID appointment last month at my house but havent heard anything else since,telephoned 2 weeks ago to tell them I had now been put on special milk shakes via my dietician along with other pain relief and was told it went to the case manager on the 6th of september,do u know how long roughly it takes for decision.
Hello Linda
Social Security Scotland say that they aim to make their decision within 8 to 10 weeks, unless the applicant is terminally ill, in which case they would try to reach a determination in a week. The 8 to 10 weeks seems to be counted from when they have all the information they need.
If you haven’t heard from them by early November, I would get in touch and ask about progress.
Best wishes, Frances
My husband (able-bodied, in-work), I, and our primary school age child are due to move to Scotland some time in 2023/24.
I receive PIP ongoing (indefinite) award with higher rate mobility and daily living elements, and am due to take receipt of my first motability car this autumn (I have a rest-of-life very disabling condition with no prospect of improvement according to the doctors).
Will I need to go through the whole application and reassessment process for adult disability payment with social security Scotland when we move there (I would meet the ADP indefinite and higher-rate criteria due to the irreversibility and very disabling effects of my condition)?
I’ve tried to find the answer to this by searching the official and other websites but I’ve hit a wall, sorry!
Hello Mari
You will need to inform the DWP of your new address when you move. People receiving PIP with an address in Scotland are gradually being transferred to ADP – this is supposed to be complete in Summer 2024. Social Security Scotland have said that they will not be reviewing or reassessing awards as they are transferred, so I think that you should carry on receiving the same amount, and going forward, have an indefinite award without reviews, as the Scottish government has said they will not be expecting people on the highest components of disability benefit whose needs are highly unlikely to change to go through recurring reviews.
As far as your Motability vehicle goes, when you move the lease payments will be taken over by Social Security Scotland, without you having to do anything.
Best wishes, Frances
I was changed over in August by looks of it but 4 weeks later and I have not been paid today, anyone else had this problem?
I’d like to know how long is it taking for a paper application to be assessed. I sent mine to Dundee 7 July by recorded delivery and I have heard nothing since…not even to say it has been received. I’m getting stressed wondering what is happening. I don’t want to phone as I imagine they are inundated with applications. I live in North Lanarkshire and have fibromyalgia
Hello Sandra
To be honest, I haven’t heard anything about how long applications are taking, but two months without even an acknowledgement seems a long time. If you don’t want to contact them directly to ask about your application, you could perhaps get in touch with North Lanarkshire Disability Forum (NLDF) and see whether they have any advice. Telephone: 01698 275 710 or Email: info@nldforum.org.uk
Good luck and best wishes,
Frances
It appears that nobody has an answer to my previous post – not really surprising since neither Social Security Scotland nor the DWP can offer anything also – it seems that the brilliant brains that came up with this scheme could not foresee that damage it would do to a disabled person over 65 in receipt of lifetime PIP who for whatever reason needed to relocate south of the border. The overall effect will be that disabled people in Scotland will be trapped here for fear of having to reapply to the notorious DWP and if they are over retirement age they will be excluded from doing that anyway.
It appears that this is not a United Kingdom after all and that a right to disability benefits can only cross the border in one direction – north but not south.
My wife receives DLA/PIP higher rate inc mobility. She is 65 yo. we live in S Lanarkshire but are moving to England in July or August this year (2022). The transfer launch here is due this month shortly before we move so will my wife be transferred to the Scottish system thereby forcing her to have to reapply for PIP in England one month later. If so she will probably be denied PIP due to being over retirement age. I have read that the first people transferred will be those who report a change in circumstance or condition, as my wife has not made any such report does this mean that she would not be transferred until a later date by which we would be settled in our new address south of the border?
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am an 82 year old Pensioner (in Scotland) and was not aware until recently of anything called PIP or ADP here.
I have been searching through page after page about ADP but nowhere can I find any parameters which would cover my problem. I have two crushed discs in my lower spine with worsening degeneration of my spine so much so that I have lost approx 2 inches (50mms) in height! The pain is very bad and relentless severely limiting my movements. I live alone with no family here. The only benefit I have ever claimed is a Blue Badge for ‘close’ parking at a supermarket. How do I find out if I am eligible for ADP.
Many thanks,
Kind regards,
David
Hello David
The benefit you should claim is Attendance Allowance, which is for people over retirement age. It will be replaced in Scotland by Pension Age Disability Payment, but currently AA is the one you need. We have information here: https://www.independentliving.co.uk/advice/attendance-allowance-aa/
Best wishes,
Frances
Is this just for scotland or the whole of the UK?
Hello Kim
The benefits on this page are purely for Scotland.
The main working age benefit in all other parts of the United Kingdom is PIP https://www.independentliving.co.uk/advice/personal-independence-payment-pip/
Best wishes,
Frances
Hi, like a few others I am concerned about Pension Age Disabilty payment and the changes in benefit to those over 65.
I am 72 and have been reviewed for PIP from DLA. I have been awarded higher care and mobility benefits. I have been placed on a 10 year review.
My reading of the change over to the Scottish Old Age disability benefit is being placed on what was Attendance Allowance. This benefit has only a care component no mobility benefit.
If this is correct I will lose my mobility allowance and also a motability car
Being in a wheelchair and suffering chronic pain it appears that I will basically be confined to my house and lose my freedom and probable sanity. It seems that the Scottish Government cannot afford the £580 million it will cost to provide the 170,000 pensioners with mobility allowance.
It seems a very cruel way to treat disabled pensioners in their twilight years.
Hello George
A number of people have expressed similar fears here.
My understanding was that so long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria for PIP, you would continue to receive the equivalent benefit in Scotland – with the crucial mobility component.
To clarify the situation once and for all, I have asked the Scottish Social Security department to confirm what the situation will be as benefits are transferred.
As soon as I hear, I will update the information we have.
Best wishes,
Frances
I currently get the daily living and the enhanced mobility component for pip and because of my disabilities I lease a motability car, I am 63 so will I lose my motabilty allowance when I turn 65 under the new benefits system here in Scotland if so I think that if the Scottish government deny me the mobility they’re depriving me my independence.
Hello Donald
As far as I am aware, the situation with regard to Motability leases doesn’t change. As long as you qualify for the equivalent Scottish benefit – Adult Disability Payment – you should be able to continue using it to pay for your car.
Best wishes,
Frances
I receive pip both mobility and care. I am 69. Living in Scotland. Will I no longer get mobility when Scottish government take over. If so it seems unfair.
Hello Morag
Although you can’t make a new claim for PIP after retirement age, you can carry on receiving it, as long as your condition or disability remains the same.
Best wishes,
Frances
Hi,
My PIP award is due to end in November 2022 (extended from February). I was on an indefinite DLA award until reassessed for PIP in early 2018. I was refused PIP and took it to appeal, where the DWP’s decision was overturned and I was awarded the benefit. The assessor who I saw had a history of PIP refusals, so I was not entirely surprised that the initial decision went against me.
I’m really hoping that when my reassessment comes up in 2022 it will be SSS and not the DWP who will be doing it as I couldn’t face going through another face to face assessment.
Steven
Firstly can I say how valuable this resource is within our community and say a big thank you?
My situation is slightly different, I fought and won a tribunal in 2002 and became entitled to higher rate mobility and mid-rate care DLA and SDA with an indefinite award, my conditions were deemed chronic progressive with little or no chance of improvement which have obviously become worse, and as so many other people here I have lived in constant fear under duress as to when I might lose all my entitlement to my current DLA and SDA and possibly lose my DLA vehicle or be unable to pay my mortgage etc
Over the years I have received several further diagnosis regards new complications / conditions and upon 3 attempts to apply for PIP I was point-blank told by DWP not to request the application as I had not been invited to do so and that my benefit would cease , this did not alleviate the stress or anguish caused.
As I have several diagnosis many of which DWP are unaware of by nature or severity, can I apply through change in circumstances for Adult Disability and if so when ? , I believe I fully meet the terminology of the CMOs newly defined definition of terminal illness, so can you tell me when and how I might request a BASRiS expedited claim within the new Scottish system as my specialists or GP are yet unaware of the process?
best regards Don
Hello Don
Generally, adult disability benefit should be rolled out in Scotland by summer 2022. Once this has happened, anyone with a change of circumstances or a review date will be transferred to Scottish social services, rather than having to face assessment by DWP contractors.
What I don’t know is whether expedited claims on the basis of terminal illness can be made before then – I’m afraid I haven’t been able to find any information on this.
Sorry I can’t be any more helpful. If I come across any more details, I will post here.
Best wishes,
Frances
I was on indefinite DLA for 18 years then I had to reapply under PIP had a face to face and lost all my award. The report was awful.
I wasn’t in a good place to fight it. I live in Scotland and was wondering if they would consider reinstating my DLA?
Hello
I am sorry to hear of your experience with PIP. Unfortunately, adult disability benefits are not being transferred to Scotland until summer 2022, so it is too early for you to apply to Social Security Scotland.
Any application you make now will be assessed by one of the private companies contracted by the DWP.
Best wishes,
Frances
How frustrating and ironic that the following question is the ONLY QUESTION UNANSWERED!
What will be the position of people who were over 65 when PIP was introduced and who have remained on DLA without any further assessments. They are not mentioned in this. Will they be reassessed in Scotland. Will the qualifications for receiving benefit change for them?
The SG did not answer this question when I asked them. It looks like pensioners on DLA will lose their mobility award when it devolves to the SSS and how appropriate that title is if this is so. I will lose over £250 a month. Possibly thousands of pounds long term.
Why is no one answering this question? Don’t they like the answer?
Hello
Like you, I can’t find anything specific in Scottish government guidance about people over state retirement age who are still receiving DLA.
However, the principle is that there will be fewer assessments, not more. Once the rollout of adult disability benefit is complete, which is expected to be in 2025, anyone who lives in Scotland and has a change in circumstances or is coming to the end of their DLA award period, will be transferred to Social Security Scotland, rather than being assessed by a private company on behalf of the DWP.
As far as eligibility is concerned, the Scottish government has been consulting on this (consultations closed in mid-March this year), but for the moment criteria are expected to be broadly unchanged.
Best wishes,
Frances
Hi, I have been needing my daily living part of DLA (still on old benefit) reviewed for years but I held off due to the physical stress PIP application would cause. I thought i would wait out until new benefit was in place but now see it could be up to 2025 until I am processed over. I have enhanced mobility rate but low rate care, was always so grateful for getting what i had I didn’t ask to review care part. I guess I will have to apply for PIP re this?
Hello Jane
I can certainly see why you have been reluctant to ask for a review of your benefit. The quick answer is yes – if you want a reassessment, then it will be for PIP, not DLA.
On the other hand, the Scottish government has said that once the new disability benefits are rolled out (which is starting in 2022) anyone reporting a changing condition will be transferred away from the DWP. So you wouldn’t have to wait until 2025 to get a review that doesn’t involve the private sector contractors and the DWP.
Best wishes,
Frances
Thank you Frances
My PIP expires in July 2022, will I have to reapply for PIP or will my claim be devolved to the Scottish benefit system?
Hello Angela
It’s difficult to be absolutely sure. The Scottish government has said that from summer 2022, anyone on PIP who is about to reach the end of their DWP award period, will transfer to Social Security Scotland so that they do not have to undergo a DWP face-to-face assessment. So you could be one of the fortunate first to be transferred away from the DWP. But the process will take several years to be completed – until 2025. If you get a communication from the DWP, telling you that it’s time to reapply, you must make sure that you do, otherwise your benefit will stop.
Coronavirus may well continue to slow things down and have an impact on the timetable for transfers.
Good luck and best wishes,
Frances
My son turned 16 in July. He is in receipt of DLA… just received letter (31st October) stating that now he is 16 to let DWP know by 23 November if he would be applying for PIP..
Where does he stand with the DLA for Children up to 18yrs, thats already came into affect?
Hello Lisa
I am not entirely sure, to be honest. The Scottish government did announce in March that children living in Scotland would be able to continue receiving DLA until they were 18, rather than 16. But the transfer of responsibility for benefits is a rolling one, and has been knocked back by Coronavirus. The Scottish government website says:
As you have received this letter from the DWP, it seems that your son should apply for PIP.
Best wishes,
Frances
If I have been awarded PIP with no end date does that mean it will transfer without me having to apply for ADP. Or will I have to go through assessment etc again when this is transitioned
Hello Amy
The Scottish government has said that awards will be made using existing information when they can, with as few face-to-face assessments as possible. Where reviews are needed, they will be ‘light touch’ and as non-intrusive as possible. The ADP will be rolling, with no set end date.
So hopefully you won’t need reassessment, but if by chance you do, it should be a much less stressful experience.
Good luck and best wishes,
Frances
as you may be aware the scottish government will be taking over PIP in 2020 l my award ends in january 2021 will the transistion of my PIP continue untill the scottish governement takes over PIP ?
Hello
The current situation with coronavirus means that there will be a delay in the Scottish government taking over payment of the successor to PIP. The DWP will continue in the meantime. As I understand it, nearer the time that your award is due to end, you should get a letter from the DWP asking you to reapply.
Best wishes,
Frances
I live in Scotland my PIP award expires in January 2021 will I still receive my PIP award until the Scottish government takes over PIP ?
Hello John
As you probably know, the current situation means that there will be a delay in the Scottish government taking over payment of the successor to PIP. Nearer the time that your award is due to end, you should get a letter from the DWP asking you to reapply.
Best wishes,
Frances
Hi, with the delay through covid19 of planned PIP changes (Scotland),do you envisage any changes?
my award expires september, i’ve not received any correspondance,is there something i should do nearer the time.
Thank-you in advance
Hi Charlie
The message from the Scottish government is that while the introduction of the new Benefit to replace PIP is delayed, the DWP will continue to handle the benefit for people in Scotland for a longer transition period.
I would expect that you will receive notification nearer the time, asking you to reapply for PIP.
Good luck and best wishes,
Frances
Hi Frances.
As I previously stated my pip award expires September 2020, i received a letter today
extending the award to May 2021, citing the current circumstances as the reason
My 15 year old son is receiving DLA until may 2021 when he will be 16. Does he need to reapply or will his current away be automatically extended until he’s 18?
Hello
Your son should receive a letter from the DWP about five months before he turns 16. This will let you know that Social Security Scotland will take over payment of his award.
DWP will continue to make payments until Social Security Scotland takes over. You’ll also get a letter from Social Security Scotland telling you the exact date that this will happen.
Best wishes,
Frances
I’m in Scotland and I’ve just had to send back my review form to DWP for PIP. What will happen to me? Will I need to have a F2F yet again?
Hello Jane
The Scottish Government takes over responsibility for disability benefits this April. This means that PIP and DLA will be transferred from the DWP to the new benefits agency, but the replacement for PIP won’t arrive until early in 2021.
The government has said that during this period, no-one will have to reapply for benefits, no claims will be reassessed, and payments will be protected.
So I think you should be safe from face-to-face assessments for a while.
Best wishes,
Frances
What will be the position of people who were over 65 when PIP was introduced and who have remained on DLA without any further assessments. They are not mentioned in this. Will they be reassessed in Scotland. Will the qualifications for receiving benefit change for them?
I too have this same dilemma. I am in receipt of lifetime DLA and over state pension age. What will the SG do about this? I have tried asking them but no answer
My PIP award runs out in March 2020. I submitted a new claim form in January 2020 but have today been told I wont be assessed before my award ceases in March. When my assessment does take place if its after April 2020 will it be the old PIP assessment or the new devolved system for Scotland.
Hello Margaret
The Scottish replacement for PIP comes in early in 2021, although as you say, responsibility for disability benefits is devolved from this April. This means that PIP and DLA Will be transferred from one system to the other.
The Scottish government has said that during this period, no-one will have to reapply for benefits, no claims will be reassessed, and payments will be protected.
So that sounds as if you don’t need to worry about being assessed again by the DWP.
Best wishes,
Frances
What I don’t understand is why the DWP are still doing Medical assessments in Scotland if we are getting our own benefits system next year . I’m on Indefinite DLA since 2015 so do you think I will still be called in for a Medical by The DWP
I don’t think it is possible to give a definitive answer to your question, Stevie. But the transfer of people on indefinite DLA to PIP has been delayed a number of times, and it does seem ridiculous to think that you might be called for assessment by the DWP during the next year, when 2021 will see this benefit devolved to Scotland.
Hopefully, commonsense will prevail, and you won’t have any untoward contact from the DWP in the meantime.
I will keep my fingers crossed!
Best wishes,
Frances
Good to know someone cares Do I lose all benefits if I go into nursing or care home?
Hello James
There isn’t a quick answer to that question. It depends what benefits you’re getting, and whether you are paying the care home fees yourself or not. Essentially, you would continue to receive DLA, PIP or Attendance Allowance if you pay your own fees, but not if your local council or the NHS is helping with the cost.
As far as help with nursing care and personal care goes, if you are eligible, the council will pay the agreed rate to the care home you move into.
Best wishes,
Frances