Adult Disability Payment
Adult Disability Payment
The Scottish Government’s new Adult Disability Payment administered by Social Security Scotland is starting to replace the UK Governments Personal Independence Payment.
In guide we will explore key information that you need to know about the case transfer and what you can expect during the process.
What is Adult Disability Payment?
Adult Disability Payment is a new Scottish benefit offered by Social Security Scotland that is due to replace Personal Independence Payment. It offers a much-improved user experience compared to the application process of PIP.
Adult Disability Payment provides extra money which helps assist individuals who have either a physical or mental health disability that affects their day-to-day living. A formal diagnosis is not required to receive ADP.
Adult Disability Payment consists of two components, daily living, and mobility. Individuals may qualify for both parts of the payment or only one based on how their condition affects their everyday life.
ADP officially launched on the 21st of March 2022 with a pilot scheme in Perth and Kinross, Dundee, and the Western Isles. The phased national rollout started in August 2022 and the case transfer is expected to be complete by Summer 2024.
Why is PIP Moving to ADP?
Personal Independence Payment has been a benefit offered through the UK Government Department of Work and Pensions. However, Adult Disability Payment is exclusively offered by the Scottish Government through Social Security Scotland.
The transfer is due to Scotland receiving devolved powers under the Social Security Scotland Act 2018 to administer its social policy benefits. Social Security Scotland is committed to ensuring that ADP meets the needs of the Scottish people and is an improvement on PIP.
The Scottish Government conducted extensive user research, speaking to almost 1,000 claimants, and consulted with a wide range of stakeholders, charities, and organisations to create the new benefit.
Criteria for Meeting Adult Disability Payment
While Adult Disability Payment is not a means-tested benefit, there are a few requirements that claimants must meet to receive payment.
- You must live in Scotland and be between the ages of 16 and 66 when you first start to claim.
- Claimants must also have either a physical or mental health disability that affects their day-to-day living with points being allocated to the level of difficulty experienced with certain activities.
For further information visit: mygov.scot
How Much is Adult Disability Payment?
Both components of Adult Disability Payment are paid at either a standard or enhanced rate.
From the 10th of April 2023 an annual increase will be awarded to each of the components of Adult Disability Payment.
- The daily living component standard rate will rise to £68.10 for a standard award and the enhanced rate will increase to £101.75 a week.
- The mobility component is offered with a standard rate of £26.90 a week and an enhanced rate of £71 a week.
For further information visit: mygov.scot
How Will my PIP Claim be Affected?
We understand people will be worried about their existing PIP claim being affected by the rollout of ADP. However, during the transfer of moving PIP to ADP claimants’ payments will not be negatively affected and they will be paid their usual amount up until the day ADP starts.
Claimants are assured that they will not experience any gaps in payments or changes in the amount of money they receive during the transfer process.
Anyone who is already in receipt of Personal Independence Allowance or Disability Living Allowance does not need to take any action as their award will automatically be transferred to Social Security Scotland.
The Department of Work and Pensions will forward the relevant documentation about the claimant’s award to Social Security Scotland so that the client is paid the same rate of Adult Disability Payment.
Currently, an estimated 300,000 people in Scotland receive PIP and will all be gradually transferred over to ADP. Once Social Security Scotland has completed the case transfer the award of PIP will end.
What Can I Expect Throughout the Case Transfer?
Those already claiming PIP will not be required to take any action during the transfer process. People will continue to receive the right PIP payment throughout the process of the transfer until the day ADP starts.
Social Security Scotland may contact clients to confirm details such as where they live in Scotland and their bank account.
Stage 1
During Stage 1 of the transfer clients will receive a goodbye letter from the Department of Work and Pensions before receiving an introduction letter from Social Security Scotland. This will outline the process and timeframe of the transfer and what the client can expect to happen.
The introduction letter will also entail information on whom they can contact if they experience a change in circumstances.
Stage 2
Stage 2 of the case transfer will involve a confirmation letter being sent on the day the Adult Disability Payment starts for that client. The confirmation letter will instruct clients on the details of their award and how to challenge the award if they wish to do so.
What are the Differences Between PIP and ADP?
It is evident that applying for PIP has been a stressful experience for many claimants and that the application process has presented many difficulties.
The process to claim ADP has been designed to minimize the stress that sometimes has been associated with claiming PIP.
Social Security Scotland is keen to improve the application process for claimants and ensure that award decisions are correct the first time and claimants are treated with dignity and respect.
Clients can be assured that they will receive clear and concise information and support throughout the case transfer process.
Adult Disability Payment can be claimed by filling out an easy straightforward online application form that is user-friendly and can be submitted quickly. A paper copy is also available if clients prefer to fill out the application in this format.
Unlike PIP, ADP will not involve any face-to-face assessments with the Department of Work and Pensions.
Social Security Scotland can also carry out the work to obtain documents such as medical information which is required to support applications. In turn, this will help to alleviate the stress that this process can have on clients.
When Can I expect a Decision for a New Adult Disability Payment Application?
For new applications for Adult Disability Payment, Social Security Scotland aim to communicate its decision within 8 to 10 weeks of receiving the completed application.
Decisions will be sent via a letter which will outline which parts of the payment the applicant will receive and how much will be allocated for each part.
For unsuccessful applications, decision letters will include additional information on why the applicant was not awarded Adult Disability Payment. This will be communicated by attaching the points scoring system that determines if an individual qualifies for the daily living and mobility part of the benefit. The grading system will allow an understanding of why applicants did not meet the criteria.
If You are Not Happy with your Decision
If you are not happy with the decision that has been taken for your application for Adult Disability Payment or have any unanswered questions, then you can contact Social Security Scotland. You can find more about the decision process on mygov.scot website.
What are the Special Rules for Terminal Illness?
People diagnosed with a terminal illness will be prioritized for Adult Disability Payment through a fast-tracked route and awards will have no review period.
Specially trained case managers will ensure that clients will automatically receive the highest level of award and that a decision is made within 7 working days.
The application form is simpler to fill out and can be completed by a third-party member such as a family friend, nurse, or welfare advisor.
What about Appointees?
An appointee is someone who has the legal right to assist the claimant with managing their affairs including claiming benefits.
If someone has already been acting as an appointee with the Department of Work and Pensions, then they will receive a statement to sign to confirm that they are happy to continue to act as an appointee with Social Security Scotland.
For new appointees, Social Security Scotland will carry out a home visit to both the claimant and potential appointee to confirm that this is necessary.
Find more information about the support available on mygov.scot website.
