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Example case scenarios for clients moving to Scotland from the rest of the UK
This guidance is for:
- third sector community and voluntary organisations
- stakeholders
- local authorities
Find details of example case scenarios you might come across for clients moving to Scotland from England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Scenario 1: Client applies in week 1 of 13 week run-on period
This example is for a client receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
This scenario could apply to clients who were receiving:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for children
While this case example is for PIP, the application process is slightly different for each benefit. Refer to decision making guides for the relevant benefit.
Ashok moves to Scotland
Ashok from Bangor in North Wales receives Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
On 10 November 2025, Ashok moves to Glasgow for work.
Ashok calls the DWP
On 12 November 2025, Ashok calls the DWP to let them know that he’s moved.
The DWP advises Ashok that he is no longer eligible for PIP and his entitlement will end on 9 February 2026. The date is calculated from the date he moved rather than the date of the call.
The DWP also sends Ashok a letter to advise him to take the following steps:
- Make a new application for Adult Disability Payment to replace his PIP.
- Call Social Security Scotland to start his application process.
- Go to mygov.scot/moving-to-scotland for a step-by-step guide.
- Act quickly to reduce the risk of a break in payment.
Ashok completes his application
On 13 November 2025, Ashok completes part 1 and part 2 of his Adult Disability Payment application online at the same time because he wants to minimise his chance of having a break in payment.
For online applications, Social Security Scotland added a screen ‘Moving to Scotland’ after the ‘Your address’ within the ‘About you’ section.
On the ‘Moving to Scotland’ screen, Ashok answers ‘yes’ to both questions:
- Have you moved to Scotland within the past 6 months?
- Have you received Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from the Department for Work and Pensions in the past 6 months?
This means Ashok’s application can be routed correctly for prioritisation.
Social Security Scotland process the application
Ashok’s application is picked up by a client adviser to process. Once processed, it’s passed to a case manager to make a decision.
Adult Disability Payment decision made
On 4 February 2026, the case manager makes a decision on Ashok’s application and finds he's entitled to Adult Disability Payment. Because Ashok completed his application before the deadline of 34 weeks from his date of move, he'll have his award backdated.
Find application deadlines for each benefit under ‘Application submission deadlines’.
Ashok’s Adult Disability Payment award comes into payment on 10 February 2026, the day after his PIP award ends.
Ashok receives a letter from Social Security Scotland with details of his Adult Disability Payment award.
Scenario 2: Client applies late into the 13 week run-on period
This example is for a client receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children.
This scenario could apply to clients who were receiving:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
While this case example is for DLA for children, the application process is slightly different for each benefit. Refer to decision making guides for the relevant benefit.
Ciara and mum Adele move to Scotland
Ciara lives in Northern Ireland with her family where she receives DLA for children.
On 16 April 2026, Ciara and her family move to Dundee so they can be closer to Ciara’s granny.
Ciara’s mum contacts the Department for Communities (NI)
On 6 July 2026, Ciara’s mum, Adele, realises that she has not yet told the Department for Communities Northern Ireland (NI) about the family’s move.
Adele calls the Department for Communities (NI). The adviser tells Adele that Ciara’s DLA for children will end on 15 July 2026 and advises her to contact Social Security Scotland as soon as possible.
The Department for Communities (NI) also sends Adele a letter to advise her to take the following steps:
- Make a new application for Child Disability Payment to replace Ciara’s DLA for children.
- Call Social Security Scotland to start the application process.
- Go to mygov.scot/moving-to-scotland for a step-by-step guide.
- Act quickly to reduce the risk of a break in payment.
Part 1 completed
On 8 July 2026, Adele calls Social Security Scotland and completes part 1 of Ciara’s Child Disability Payment application over the phone within the 26 week deadline of their date of move.
The client adviser taking the phone call then sends out a paper copy of part 2 of the Child Disability Payment application. Clients have 32 weeks from their date of move to complete part 2. They advise Adele to submit it as soon as possible to minimise the break in payment.
Find application deadlines for each benefit under ‘Application submission deadlines’.
Ciara’s DLA for children award ends
It’s 16 July 2026, now 13 weeks since Ciara and her family moved to Scotland and the run-on period for Ciara’s DLA for children has ended.
Adele gets a letter from the Department for Communities (NI) to confirm when Ciara’s DLA for children will end. This letter also includes the steps to contact Social Security Scotland, which she has already taken.
Ciara will now have a break in payment until we reach a decision on her Child Disability Payment application. A break in payment might place some clients in financial difficulty. Client advisers can signpost clients to emergency funding on mygov.scot if needed.
Part 2 submitted
On 11 August 2026, Adele submits part 2 of Ciara’s Child Disability Payment application, within the 32 week deadline from their date of move. This means her Child Disability Payment application can be backdated. It’s passed on to a case manager.
Child Disability Payment decision made
On 9 September 2026, the case manager makes a decision on Ciara’s application and puts the case into payment.
Because part 1 of Ciara’s application was submitted within 26 weeks of moving and part 2 was submitted within 32 weeks of moving, Ciara’s Child Disability Payment application will be backdated to 16 July 2026. This is the day after the run-on period for her DLA for children ended.
Adele receives a letter from Social Security Scotland with details of Ciara’s Child Disability Payment award.
On 16 September 2026, Ciara receives her first payment.
Scenario 3: Client applies after the 13 week run-on period
This example is for a client receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
This scenario could apply to clients who were receiving:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for children
While this case example is for PIP, the application process is slightly different for each benefit. Refer to decision making guides for the relevant benefit.
Maggie and her partner move to Scotland
On 2 April 2026, Maggie, 66 years old, moves to Scotland with her partner to be closer to family and friends. She receives PIP from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Maggie contacts DWP
On 6 July 2026, once Maggie was settled in her new house, she lets DWP know that she’s moved to Scotland.
DWP tell her that her PIP and 13 week run-on period has ended. This marks the start of Maggie's break in payment.
DWP advises her to apply for Adult Disability Payment as soon as possible to get back into payment.
Potential DWP overpayment
If the DWP overpays a client’s benefit because they did not report their change of address within 13 weeks of them moving to Scotland, the client may have to pay that money back to DWP.
DWP will let a client know if they’ve been overpaid.
For clients moving from England and Wales
Find more information about benefit overpayments on GOV.UK.
For clients moving from Northern Ireland
Find more information about benefit overpayments on nidirect.gov.uk.
Maggie contacts Social Security Scotland
Maggie contacts Social Security Scotland the next day and answers ‘yes’ to both questions when on the call with a client adviser:
- Have you moved to Scotland within the past 6 months?
- Have you received Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from the Department for Work and Pensions in the past 6 months?
On the call she tells the client adviser that her PIP payments have stopped.
A break in payment might place some clients in financial difficulty. Client advisers can signpost clients to emergency funding on mygov.scot if needed.
She asks for help from Social Security Scotland’s local delivery team to complete the application as she’s not familiar with the Scottish benefits system.
Referred to local delivery team
A client adviser at Social Security Scotland refers her to our local delivery team for a pre-claim appointment.
Maggie receives her DWP disallowance letter
Maggie receives her disallowance (‘goodbye’) letter from DWP telling her when her PIP award will end. This letter also includes the steps to contact Social Security Scotland, which she has already taken.
Local delivery team contact Maggie
On 28 July 2026, a couple of weeks later the local delivery team contact Maggie to arrange an appointment. Maggie wanted a face to face appointment with a family member present, and this was arranged to be at her home.
Local delivery appointment at Maggie’s home
At the appointment on 22 September 2026, the local delivery client support adviser took her through the application and made sure she had all the supporting information attached that was needed.
Although Maggie applied after the 13 week run-on period, her application was still submitted within the 34 week timeframe so will be backdated.
Find application deadlines for each benefit under ‘Application submission deadlines’.
Adult Disability Payment decision made
On 22 January 2027, a case manager makes a decision on Maggie's application. Because Maggie's application was submitted before the deadline of 34 weeks from her date of move, she'll have her award backdated.
Maggie’s case comes into payment on 3 April 2026, the day after her PIP award ended.
Maggie receives a letter from Social Security Scotland a few days later with details of her Adult Disability Payment award.
Scenario 4: Client has a Motability AVE lease
This example is for a client receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
This scenario could apply to clients who were receiving:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for children
Faith moves to Scotland
Faith, 29 years old, is proactive about managing her condition and benefits. She receives PIP with higher rate daily living and mobility components from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Faith moves from England to the Dundee area because of the poor housing situation where she currently lives. She rents from a housing association and receives low income benefits.
She lives with her partner, who is also her carer.
Faith contacts the DWP
Faith calls the DWP to let them know she’s moved to Scotland. DWP starts the 13 week run-on period and sends Faith her disallowance letter. DWP also let Motability know when Faith’s entitlement to PIP will end.
Faith applies for Adult Disability Payment online
Faith goes to the mygov.scot/moving-to-scotland website link provided in the letter.
She prefers the self-serve option to apply for Adult Disability Payment online.
Motability letter received within 13 weeks
When Faith gets a stopped allowance letter from Motability (within 13 weeks), she calls Motability to tell them she has applied for Adult Disability Payment and expects to keep her vehicle.
Application is processed
Faith’s application is picked up by a Social Security Scotland client adviser. They complete all their processing tasks and hand over the application to a case manager as a high priority case to make a decision.
Adult Disability Payment decision made
The case manager picks up the Adult Disability Payment application and checks for supporting information. They check if Faith is eligible for the mobility component.
Faith’s application is successful. The case manager awards Adult Disability Payment with enhanced daily living component and enhanced rate mobility for Faith.
The case manager gets the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment (AVE) team to check if Faith is a Motability Scheme member so that her Motability payments can continue.
Social Security Scotland will make every effort to prioritise Motability cases as much as possible to process them within 21 weeks.
Clients will get support for up to 21 weeks from their date of move to reduce the risk of a break in their lease payments as follows.
In most cases, clients will receive a 13 week run-on of their DWP benefit from their date of move.
If the Scottish award has not been determined by week 13, this may result in a break in Motability payments.
If there's a break in payments, Motability allows an 8 week grace period during which they will not attempt to retrieve the vehicle from the client.
Motability may contact Social Security Scotland to discuss cases where a break in payment has occurred for these clients and may extend the grace period as a result. This is at the discretion of Motability.
Motability confirms vehicle lease
The AVE client adviser sends a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) request to Motability.
Motability sends replies via SPOC to the AVE team to confirm that there’s a current lease agreement for Faith.
The AVE client adviser uploads the agreement details to Faith’s record. The AVE client adviser then needs to delete any personal data relating to the SPOC to SPOC communication.
Faith receives her award letter
A few days later, Faith receives her Adult Disability Payment award letter. As a decision was made within 21 weeks of her date of move, Faith’s Motability vehicle lease is continued. Social Security Scotland will cover the lease payments.
Scenario 5: Client applies for the wrong benefit
This example is for a client receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
This scenario could apply to clients receiving:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Personal Independence Payment
While this case example is for DLA, the application process is slightly different for each benefit. Refer to decision making guides for the relevant benefit.
Jill moves to Scotland
Jill, 75 years old, has arthritis and has received DLA from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) since having children.
She has lived alone since her husband died and children left home. She’s afraid to share the extent of her health condition and prefers not to tell others she’s on a benefit.
On 2 March 2026, Jill moves to Galashiels from Carlisle to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren.
On 3 March 2026, she calls DWP to let them know she’s moved. DWP starts the 13 week run-on period for her DLA.
Applies online for Adult Disability Payment
Jill is not so familiar with the Scottish benefits system and does not cope well with change. She often gets benefit names mixed up.
She has not received her disallowance letter from the DWP yet but is aware she needs to make a new application to Social Security Scotland. She wants to do this as soon as possible so she doesn’t have to continue thinking about it.
On 4 March 2026, she goes online and applies for Adult Disability Payment.
Jill receives her DWP disallowance letter
On 17 March 2026, Jill gets her disallowance (‘goodbye’) letter from the DWP and realises she’s applied for the wrong Social Security Scotland benefit.
Client adviser picks up error
When a client adviser at Social Security Scotland picks up Jill’s application, they’ll see that she was in receipt of DLA and not PIP at the time of the move.
The client adviser contacts Jill to explain that DLA has been replaced by Scottish Adult DLA in Scotland and she needs to fill out a form for that benefit instead.
The client adviser reassures Jill that we’ll process her form as quickly as possible. They also advise Jill that she can go to the Moving to Scotland guide on mygov.scot for more information and further support if needed.
After taking part 1 details over the phone, the client adviser sends a Scottish DLA part 2 request form to Jill to complete and return to us as soon as she can.
Jill receives the part 2 form on 24 March 2026 and sends her completed form back to Social Security Scotland on 27 March 2026.
Scottish Adult DLA paper form received
Two weeks later, we receive Jill’s Scottish Adult DLA part 2 paper form. A client adviser picks up the form for processing and then hands it over to a case manager to make a decision.
Scottish Adult DLA decision made
On 1 June 2026, Jill is awarded Scottish Adult DLA at the same rate she was on for DLA with DWP.
As Jill’s Scottish Adult DLA part 2 request was received within 34 weeks from her date of move, her award is paid from the day after her DLA award ended.
Find application deadlines for each benefit under ‘Application submission deadlines’.
Jill receives a letter from Social Security Scotland with details of her Scottish Adult DLA award.
Scenario 6: Carer and cared for person household moves
This scenario applies to clients receiving Carer’s Allowance.
Linda and Pete move to Scotland
Linda and husband Pete live in Bournemouth in the south of England. Linda is Pete’s carer and has Power of Attorney for him.
Pete is receiving Attendance Allowance and Linda receives Carer’s Allowance.
On 10 February 2026, Linda and Pete move to Edinburgh where they have family.
Find out more about Power of Attorney in client representative guidelines (Part 3).
Linda contacts the DWP
On 3 March 2026, Linda contacts the DWP to let them know that she and Pete have moved.
Since Linda has Power of Attorney for Pete, the DWP sends Linda letters to tell her that Pete’s Attendance Allowance and her Carer’s Allowance award will end on 12 May 2026. These letters also advise Linda to take the following steps:
- Make new applications for Pension Age Disability Payment to replace Pete’s Attendance Allowance and Carer Support Payment to replace her Carer’s Allowance.
- Call Social Security Scotland to start the application process for these benefits.
- Go to mygov.scot/moving-to-scotland for a step-by-step guide.
- Act quickly to reduce the risk of a break in payment.
Linda contacts Social Security Scotland
On 31 March 2026, Linda calls Social Security Scotland and tells them that she and Pete have moved to Scotland from England.
As Power of Attorney for Pete, Linda completes part 1 of the Pension Age Disability Payment application over the phone. She also requests an appointment with the local delivery team to help them complete part 2.
Linda also completes her Carer Support Payment application over the phone.
Part 2 completed
On 2 April 2026, a local delivery client support adviser visits Linda and Pete in their home and helps them complete part 2 of Pete’s Pension Age Disability Payment application.
Identify and verification checks are carried out on Pete during this visit. Checks are also done separately with Linda to validate her identity and status as Power of Attorney.
Letter for cared for person
Pete receives a letter from Social Security Scotland letting him know someone has applied for Carer Support Payment to care for him.
Pension Age Disability Payment decision made
On 1 May 2026, the case manager makes a decision on Pete's Pension Age Disability Payment application. He puts Pete's case into payment from 13 May 2026, the day after his Attendance Allowance award will end.
13 week run-on period ends
On 12 May 2026, the DWP 13 week run-on period ends for Linda's Carer's Allowance.
Her payments stop as a decision on her Carer Support Payment application has not been reached. Linda begins to experience a break in payment.
Pete receives a letter from Social Security Scotland with details of his Pension Age Disability Payment award.
Carer Support Payment decision made
On 17 June 2026, the Carer Support Payment client adviser considers Linda's application.
Linda's decision takes longer to be reached than Pete's Pension Age Disability Payment.
However, as Pete's Pension Age Disability Payment is already in payment, Linda is awarded Carer's Support Payment.
Linda's award is also backdated to 13 May 2026, the day after her Carer's Allowance award ended.
A week later, Linda receives a letter from Social Security Scotland with details of her Carer Support Payment award.
Scenario 7: Multi-generation household moves
This example is for 3 clients receiving:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children
This scenario could apply to clients who were receiving:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
While this case example is for Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance and DLA for children, the application process is slightly different for each benefit. Refer to decision making guides for the relevant benefit.
Joanne moves her family to Scotland
Joanne, 40 years old, is a divorced mum of 2 living in Newcastle. She struggles to juggle caring responsibilities and manage multiple benefits as well as a Motability vehicle.
She receives Carer’s Allowance and has Power of Attorney for her mother, Kathleen who receives Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Joanne’s youngest child, Zach receives DLA for children with mobility award which is used to lease a Motability vehicle.
They live in a privately owned home with a mortgage.
Joanne, Kathleen and Zach move to Glasgow to be closer to extended family so they can support each other with caring responsibilities.
Joanne reports her change of address to DWP
Joanne contacts the DWP to let them know that she has moved to Scotland with her mother and son.
A week later Joanne gets letters from the DWP telling her the dates that her, Zach’s and Kathleen’s DWP benefits will end. The letters advise Joanne to take the following steps:
- Make new applications for Child Disability Payment to replace Zach’s DLA for children, Pension Age Disability Payment to replace Kathleen’s Attendance Allowance and Carer Support Payment to replace her Carer’s Allowance.
- Call Social Security Scotland to start the application process for these benefits.
- Go to mygov.scot/moving-to-scotland for a step-by-step guide.
- Act quickly to reduce the risk of a break in payment.
Joanne contacts Social Security Scotland
Joanne calls Social Security Scotland to start the applications for Child Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment and Carer Support Payment.
We’ll accept cross-border applications within the following time period:
| Benefit name | Time to submit application |
|---|---|
| Pension Age Disability Payment | Clients will have up to 26 weeks from their date of move to complete part 1, and 34 weeks from their date of move to complete part 2. |
| Child Disability Payment | Clients will have up to 26 weeks from their date of move to complete part 1, and 32 weeks from their date of move to complete part 2. |
| Carer Support Payment | Clients will have up to 26 weeks from their date of move to complete their full application. |
Deadline may be extended for cases with good cause.
Find application deadlines for each benefit under ‘Application submission deadlines’.
Referred to local delivery team
Joanne asks for help from our local delivery team as she has multiple applications and is short on time to look at all of the information around the multiple benefits and processes.
The client adviser refers her to our local delivery team for pre-claim appointments.
When the local delivery team pick up the referral a couple of weeks later, there are also identity verification referrals that need to be done.
Joanne is contacted by the local delivery booking team. Everything is scheduled as quickly as possible, with the fewest number of appointments.
First local delivery appointments at Joanne’s home
Eight weeks later Joanne has her first face to face appointment with a local delivery client support adviser.
They go through Zach’s Child Disability Payment application, Zach’s identity verification and Joanne’s identity verification.
The client support adviser also prepares for their Carer Support Payment application and give her advice on what supporting information will be needed for the applications.
Zach’s Child Disability Payment application is submitted.
Second local delivery appointment
The client support adviser comes back the next day for Kathleen’s Pension Age Disability Payment application, her identity verification and Joanne’s Carer Support Payment application.
As Joanne also cares for Zack, she is entitled to receive Carer Additional Person Payment (CAPP) through her Carer Support award, if this is successful.
Kathleen's Pension Age Disability application is submitted.
Joanne's Carer Support Payment application is submitted.
Awaiting decisions
Joanne and her family wait for the decision of their applications.
Decision on Pension Age Disability Payment
Kathleen's decision comes first. She’s awarded her Pension Age Disability Payment. This secures a qualifying benefit for Joanne's Carer Support Payment to be awarded.
Processing Joanne and Zach’s applications
Meanwhile, the Carer Support Payment client adviser consults with the Child Disability Payment case manager to process Zach’s application. They’re making sure Joanne’s Carer Support Payment application aligns with his application timeline and decision.
The Child Disability Payment case manager advises the Carer Support Payment client adviser that they’ll be awarding Zach at the level which would make his Child Disability Payment a qualifying benefit for Joanne’s Carer Additional Person Payment (CAPP).
Decision on Child Disability Payment and Carer Support Payment
Social Security Scotland award Zach Child Disability Payment and Joanne Carer Support Payment and Carer Additional Person Payment. This is given for her caring responsibilities for Kathleen and Zach.
Kathleen’s and Zach’s Social Security Scotland benefits are both paid from the day after their DWP award entitlement ended. Joanne’s Carer Support Payment is paid from the first day of the award week that her Carer’s Allowance entitlement ended.
Scenario 8: If the person a Carer’s Allowance client is caring for dies after the run-on period and the carer applies during that period
This scenario applies to clients receiving Carer’s Allowance.
If a cared for person dies after they moved to Scotland from the rest of the UK, the carer’s application for Carer Support Payment will follow business as usual bereavement processes. If this is within the 13 week run-on period then it will be DWP’s responsibility to manage the bereavement process.
Denise and her partner move to Scotland
Denise, 65 years old, lived in Newcastle with her partner who she cares for. They move to North Lanarkshire to be closer to her partner’s family and friends since her partner’s condition has worsened.
Denise receives Carer’s Allowance while her partner receives Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
On 10 November 2025, Denise and her partner move to Scotland.
Denise contacts DWP
On 14 November 2025, Denise calls the DWP to tell them they moved to Scotland.
The 13 week run-on period for her Carer’s Allowance starts from their date of move.
Denise applies for Carer Support Payment
On 1 December 2025, Denise calls Social Security Scotland and submits their application for Carer Support Payment.
Cared for person dies
On 16 February 2026, 14 weeks after they moved to Scotland, Denise's partner who she cared for, dies. Denise calls Social Security Scotland to let them know.
DWP will no longer be paying Denise Carer’s Allowance as the run-on has ended.
Carer Support Payment decision made
On 20 February 2026, Social Security Scotland make a decision on her application for Carer Support Payment.
Denise is paid for:
- the period after the 13 week run-on period ended until their cared for person died
- an extra 12 weeks of run-on after their cared for person’s date of death as she continued to meet the criteria for Carer Support Payment during this 12 week period
Scenario 9: If the person a Carer’s Allowance client is caring for dies after the run-on period and their carer applies after that period
This scenario applies to clients receiving Carer’s Allowance.
If a cared for person dies after they moved to Scotland from the rest of the UK, the carer’s application for Carer Support Payment will follow business as usual bereavement processes.
Denise and her partner move to Scotland
Denise, 65 years old, lived in Newcastle with her partner Robert who she cares for. They move to Wishaw, North Lanarkshire to be closer to her partner's family and friends since her partner’s condition has worsened.
Denise receives Carer’s Allowance and Robert receives Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
On 12 November 2025, Denise and her partner move to Scotland.
Denise contacts DWP and Social Security Scotland
On 26 November 2025, soon after they settle into their new home in Scotland, Denise:
- informs DWP that they have both moved to Scotland
- helps Robert apply for Adult Disability Payment with Social Security Scotland that same day
Denise’s priority is to organise Robert’s benefit and make sure he’s comfortable in their new home.
Disallowance letters
A week later, Robert and Denise get letters from DWP. They contain the following information.
Robert’s letter details when his PIP payment will end. It also advises he should:
1. Make a new application for Adult Disability Payment to replace his PIP.
2. Contact Social Security Scotland to start his application, which they had already done on the same day they told DWP of their move.
3. Go to mygov.scot/moving-to-scotland for a step-by-step guide.
4. Act quickly to avoid a break in payment.
Denise’s letter details when her Carer’s Allowance payment will end. It also advises she should:
1. Make a new application for Carer Support Payment to replace her Carer’s Allowance.
2. Call Social Security Scotland to start the application process.
3. Go to mygov.scot/moving-to-scotland for a step-by-step guide.
4. Act quickly to reduce the risk of a break in payment.
Adult Disability Payment decision
On 29 January 2026, Robert is awarded Adult Disability Payment.
A few days later, he receives a letter from Social Security Scotland with details of his award and payments.
Robert is awarded Adult Disability Payment from 12 February 2026, the date after his PIP award ended.
Robert dies
Roberts condition worsens and unfortunately he dies on 25 February 2026, just a few months after he moved to Scotland with Denise.
Carer’s Allowance ends
As the 13 weeks of run-on from their date of move has passed, Denise’s Carer’s Allowance has come to an end. The last date of her 13 week run-on was 11 February 2026.
Denise applies for Carer Support Payment
On 5 March 2026, Denise calls Social Security Scotland to let them know that Robert, who she cared for, has died. She submits her Carer Support Payment application.
Carer Support Payment decision made
On 22 May 2026, Social Security Scotland award Denise Carer Support Payment.
Denise is paid for:
- the period after the 13 week run-on that she cared for Robert
- an extra 12 weeks of run-on after Robert died as she continued to meet the criteria for Carer Support Payment during this 12 week period
Scenario 10: Lowest care component over State Pension age
This scenario applies to clients receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Whether a person can get the lowest rate care component over State Pension age will depend on whether they were receiving it as part of DLA at the time of their move.
David moves back to Scotland
David, 70 years old, is originally from South Lanarkshire. He receives DLA with the lowest rate care component from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
David moves back to Scotland to be closer to friends and family. He lives in sheltered housing. He has difficulty coping with his illness and disability and finds it hard to concentrate for lengthy periods of time.
David contacts DWP
With the help of his Welfare Rights Adviser, David calls DWP to tell them he’s moved to Scotland.
David contacts Social Security Scotland
David calls Social Security Scotland to ask about Scottish Adult DLA. A client adviser at Social Security Scotland takes details for David’s Scottish Adult DLA part 1 form over the phone with the help from his Welfare Rights Adviser.
The client adviser then sends out the Scottish Adult DLA part 2 paper form for David to complete and send back to us.
Supporting information
David’s Welfare Rights Adviser helps him submit all the supporting information he needs to help everything process quickly within the deadlines.
DLA clients have up to 26 weeks from their date of move to provide their details to Social Security Scotland, and 34 weeks from their date of move to submit their Scottish Adult DLA request form. Deadlines may be extended for cases with good cause.
Scottish Adult DLA decision made
The case manager makes a determination to award Scottish Adult DLA.
The case manager checks that David had been receiving lowest rate care component as part of DLA at the time of their move.
David receives his letter confirming his Scottish Adult DLA award and is eligible to continue getting the lowest rate care component.
Scenario 11: Mobility component over State Pension age
This example is for a client receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
A person can get the mobility component over State Pension age if both:
- they were receiving it as part of PIP at the time of their move
- their condition is still substantially the same
This scenario could also apply to clients who were receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Maggie moves to Scotland
Maggie, 66 years old, has macular degeneration. She moves to Scotland with her partner to be closer to friends and family. She’s been receiving PIP from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
She relies on a Motability vehicle to get around which her partner drives as her sight is so poor.
Maggie contacts DWP
Maggie calls DWP to tell them that she’s moved to Scotland with her partner.
A few days later Maggie receives a letter from DWP to confirm when her PIP award will end. The letter advises Maggie to take the following steps:
- Make a new application for Adult Disability Payment to replace her PIP.
- Call Social Security Scotland to start her application process.
- Go to mygov.scot/moving-to-scotland for a step-by-step guide.
- Act quickly to reduce the risk of a break in payment.
Maggie applies for Adult Disability Payment
She gets in touch with Social Security Scotland to start her application for Adult Disability Payment. Maggie completes part 1 over the phone.
Part 1 must be submitted within 26 weeks from the date of move to Scotland and part 2 within 34 weeks from the date of move. Deadlines may be extended for cases with good cause.
Find application deadlines for each benefit under ‘Application submission deadlines’.
Once Maggie receives her part 2 form in the post, she completes and returns it to Social Security Scotland that same week.
Application is prioritised for processing
The client adviser at Social Security Scotland picks up her application, processes it and passes it to the case manager to make a decision.
Adult Disability Payment decision made
As Maggie is eligible for the mobility component and is over State Pension age, the case manager checks to see what component level Maggie was on for PIP with DWP.
The case manager confirms Maggie was on higher rate mobility for PIP and matches that with enhanced rate mobility for her Adult Disability Payment award.
Maggie’s Adult Disability Payment award is put into payment the day after her PIP award ended.
Clients will get support for up to 21 weeks from their date of move to reduce the risk of a break in their Motability lease payments.
Scenario 12: Client has a change of circumstances before DWP award ends
This example is for a client receiving Attendance Allowance.
This scenario could apply to clients who were receiving:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Personal Independence Payment
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or the Department for Communities (NI) are responsible for processing a client’s change of circumstances that happens during the benefit run-on period.
While this case example is for Attendance Allowance, the application process is slightly different for each benefit. Refer to decision making guides for the relevant benefit.
Rhys and partner move to Scotland
Rhys, 75 years old, originally from Wales lives with their partner who grew up in the Highlands. He receives Attendance Allowance from DWP.
On 2 April 2026, he moves to Scotland to be closer to his partner’s family. They live in a privately owned house.
Rhys’ health condition got worse
On 9 April 2026, a week after arriving in Scotland, Rhys’ health condition got worse.
Rhys’ condition stabilises
On 4 June 2026, after 8 weeks Rhys’s condition stabilises enough for him to start thinking about getting in touch with DWP.
Rhys reports a change of circumstances to DWP
On 5 June 2026, once they were settled in their new house, Rhys lets DWP know that he had moved to Scotland in April and his condition had got worse during the interim.
DWP advise him to apply for Pension Age Disability Payment with Social Security Scotland as soon as possible.
Rhys' 13 week DWP run-on for his Attendance Allowance began from the date he moved to Scotland.
Rhys contacts Social Security Scotland
Rhys contacts Social Security Scotland the next working day, on 8 June 2026.
Meanwhile, the DWP send a letter to Rhys telling him when his Attendance Allowance award will end. This letter also advises Rhys to take the following steps:
- Make a new application for Pension Age Disability Payment to replace his Attendance Allowance.
- Call Social Security Scotland to start his application process.
- Go to mygov.scot/moving-to-scotland for a step-by-step guide.
- Act quickly to reduce the risk of a break in payment.
Change to award payments
Rhys’ change in condition affected the Attendance Allowance amount he should have been paid for the time his condition got worse while he was with DWP.
Rhys receives a letter from DWP letting him know the changes to the amount of Attendance Allowance he should have received because of his change in condition.
If DWP overpays or underpays a client’s benefit because they did not report their change of condition, the client may have to pay that money back to DWP or be paid more for that time.
DWP will let a client know if they’ve been overpaid or underpaid.
For clients moving from England and Wales
Find more information about benefit overpayments on GOV.UK.
For clients moving from Northern Ireland
Find more information about benefit overpayments on nidirect.gov.uk.
DWP payment adjusted
Rhys has his payments from DWP adjusted.
Meanwhile, Social Security Scotland can continue to process Rhys’ application for Pension Age Disability Payment.
Scenario 13: Client has a change of circumstances after DWP award ends
This example is for a client receiving Attendance Allowance.
This scenario could apply to clients who were receiving:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for children
- Personal Independence Payment
Social Security Scotland are responsible for processing a client’s change of circumstances that happens after the DWP or the Department for Communities (NI) benefit run-on period.
While this case example is for Attendance Allowance, the application process is slightly different for each benefit. Refer to decision making guides for the relevant benefit.
Rhys and partner move to Scotland
Rhys, 75 years old, originally from Wales lives with his partner who grew up in the Highlands. He receives Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
On 2 April 2026, he moves to Scotland to be closer to his partner’s family. They live in a privately owned house.
Rhys contacts DWP
A week later, on 9 April 2026, Rhys lets DWP know that he moved to Scotland.
Rhys gets his DWP disallowance letter
The DWP send a letter to Rhys telling him when his Attendance Allowance award will end. This letter also advise Rhys to take the following steps:
- Make a new application for Pension Age Disability Payment to replace his Attendance Allowance.
- Call Social Security Scotland to start his application process.
- Go to mygov.scot/moving-to-scotland for a step-by-step guide.
- Act quickly to reduce the risk of a break in payment.
Rhys contacts Social Security Scotland
On 7 July 2026, Rhys contacts Social Security Scotland to apply for Pension Age Disability Payment.
Clients applying for Pension Age Disability Payment have 26 weeks from their date of move to complete part 1 and up to 34 weeks from the date of move to complete part 2 of their application. Deadlines may be extended with good cause.
Part 2 submitted
On 13 July, Rhys completes part 2 of his Pension Age Disability Payment application and returns it to Social Security Scotland. This meant his application could progress.
Rhys’s health condition got worse
On 16 July 2026, 15 weeks after arriving in Scotland, Rhys’ health condition got worse.
Rhys’ condition stabilised
On 20 August 2026, Rhys is discharged home after spending 6 weeks in hospital.
Reports a change of circumstances
On 24 August 2026, once Rhys was settled, he let Social Security Scotland know that his condition had changed since his application was submitted. Because the change of circumstances happened after Rhys’ Attendance Allowance award ended, Social Security Scotland are responsible for taking into account Rhys’ change of circumstances during decision-making.
The client adviser sends out a ‘Pension Age Disability Payment Change of circumstances’ form for Rhys to complete and send back to Social Security Scotland.
Rhys completes a change of circumstances form
On 28 August 2026, Rhys receives the ‘Pension Age Disability Payment Change of circumstances’ form, fills it out and sends it back to us.
Change to award payments
Rhys’ change of condition changed the amount he should have be paid from when his change of condition started.
This was reflected in the amount he received for Pension Age Disability Payment from the day after his Attendance Allowance award ended.
Pension Age Disability Payment decision made
The case manager makes 2 determinations, one for the original part 2 and another for the change of circumstance.
On 8 September 2026, Rhys receives a letter with his award decision with the amended payments for the time from the beginning of his change of condition.
Scenario 14: Client has a temporary move to Scotland
This example is for a client receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
This scenario could apply to clients who were receiving:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for children
Ashok moves to Scotland
Ashok from Bangor in North Wales receives PIP from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Ashok moves temporarily to Scotland for work.
Ashok still has a home in Wales which he uses at the weekends and when he is not needed in the office in Glasgow.
Ashok still pays Council Tax, water bills and is registered with his GP in Wales.
Ashok continues to get PIP
Ashok can continue to receive his DWP benefit indefinitely as long as he does not give up his Welsh address and move to Scotland permanently.
If Ashok’s move becomes permanent
Should Ashok decide to move permanently and give up his settled residency in Wales, he would no longer be eligible for his DWP benefit. He must report his permanent change of address from Wales to Scotland to DWP.
He would be encouraged to make a new application to Social Security Scotland for the replacement DWP benefit, in this case Adult Disability Payment.
Scenario 15: Client needs an interpreter and translation services
This example is for a client receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
This scenario could also apply to clients who were receiving:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for children
Rabiya moves to Scotland
Rabiya moves from England to Scotland to be near her son and his family. Her son recently got a new job and has moved his family to Glasgow.
Rabiya was not sure what she needed to do about her Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit after the move.
She speaks with her family. They look through her PIP documents and information online to find out.
Rabiya contacts the DWP
Rabiya and her family find out that she needs to call DWP to tell them she’s moved to Scotland.
After telling the DWP about her move, this starts the 13 week run-on period. This means Rabiya will be paid her usual PIP payments for 13 weeks from her date of move.
The DWP advise Rabiya to contact Social Security Scotland to apply for the replacement Scottish benefit. Rabiya is over State Pension age and will apply for Adult Disability Payment.
Rabiya already receives enhanced mobility component and wants to maintain her Motability vehicle.
Rabiya expected with only her address changing that her benefit would continue. She is quite surprised to learn that she’ll have to apply for her benefit again.
Rabiya contacts Social Security Scotland
As English is not Rabiya’s first language she can struggle with filling out forms. With her family present, Rabiya calls Social Security Scotland on loudspeaker so they can all hear and help her.
Rabiya requests an Urdu interpreter for the phone call.
Rabiya tells the adviser that she's recently moved to Scotland and is in receipt of PIP from DWP, so the client adviser knows to prioritise Rabiya's application to reduce the risk of a break in payment.
The client adviser helps Rabiya complete part 1 over the phone with the interpreter. On the call they agree to set up an appointment with our local delivery team to help her complete part 2.
Rabiya receives her DWP disallowance letter
Rabiya gets a letter from DWP to confirm when her PIP award will end. This letter also includes steps to contact Social Security Scotland, which she has already taken.
Local delivery team get in touch with Rabiya
Rabiya is contacted by our local delivery booking team to arrange a suitable time to have her identity verification check and pre-claim appointment.
An Urdu Interpreter is used to arrange the appointment.
Rabiya asked for this to be done at her son's home with him or another family member present for support.
Rabiya is wary of government agencies and is not confident navigating forms and written information. An Urdu Interpreter will also be present to translate.
Local delivery client support adviser visits Rabiya
The local delivery client support adviser comes to her son’s new home as requested to help her complete the Adult Disability Payment application. They are accompanied by an Urdu interpreter.
Rabiya completes her application
Rabiya completes her identity verification check and part 2 Adult Disability Payment application with help from the client support adviser and the interpreter. The application is submitted with the necessary supporting information.
She finds the experience a lot easier that she thought it would be with reassurance from the client support adviser and interpreter.
Rabiya receives a letter from Motability
While waiting on Social Security Scotland to make a decision on her application, Rabiya receives a letter from Motability. This confirms that DWP have informed Motability that Rabiya has moved to Scotland and her PIP payment will be ending.
The letter also states that she should make sure she has applied for the replacement Scottish benefit.
Adult Disability Payment decision made
A few weeks later, Social Security Scotland make a decision to award Rabiya Adult Disability Payment with enhanced rate mobility component.
Rabiya receives a letter to confirm her Adult Disability Payment award details and Motability lease payments from Social Security Scotland.
Scenario 16: Application is not eligible for backdating
This example is for a client receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
This scenario could also apply to clients who were receiving:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance for children
While this case example is for PIP, the application process is slightly different for each benefit. Refer to decision making guides for the relevant benefit.
Agnes moves from England to Scotland
Agnes did not contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to tell them that she had moved to Scotland.
The DWP only find out that she has moved when mail is returned to sender because she no longer lives at her English address.
Agnes’ payments stop
10 months after Agnes moved to Scotland, the DWP stop her PIP because she has not responded to letters from DWP asking for her new address. This is because they were sent to her old address.
Agnes notices that her PIP has stopped.
Agnes contacts DWP
She calls DWP to find out what has happened.
The DWP tell Agnes that they have stopped her payments as they had no reply to letters they have sent.
It becomes clear that the DWP have the wrong address for Agnes.
Agnes updates the address with DWP to her Scottish address.
As the run-on period after a date of move to Scotland only lasts 13 weeks, this ended some time ago for Agnes.
Agnes has an overpayment from DWP
Agnes finds out that she owes the DWP from the period after the 13 week run-on until the date she told them she had moved.
As Agnes has told the DWP 10 months after moving to Scotland, this falls outside the 26 week deadline.
This means Agnes will not be eligible to get Adult Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland backdated to the day after her PIP award ended. She will have to cover the DWP overpayment with her own funds. Agnes can ask for her case to be reviewed for ‘good cause’. A decision will be taken on a case by case basis.
For clients moving from England and Wales
Find more information about benefit overpayments on GOV.UK.
For clients moving from Northern Ireland
Find more information about benefit overpayments on nidirect.gov.uk.
The DWP advise Agnes to contact Social Security Scotland and apply for Adult Disability Payment. PIP has been replaced by Adult Disability Payment in Scotland as part of devolution.
Agnes contacts Social Security Scotland
Agnes calls Social Security Scotland and applies for Adult Disability Payment. She’s worried about her break in payment. A break in payment might place some clients in financial difficulty. Client advisers can signpost clients to emergency funding on mygov.scot if needed.
She completes part 1 over the phone and part 2 is sent to her to complete.
DWP confirm Agnes’ PIP award has ended
Agnes receives a letter from DWP confirming her PIP has ended along with another letter with information on how to pay back the money she owes to DWP for the overpayment of her PIP.
She calls DWP to agree a payment plan.
Agnes completes her Adult Disability Payment application
Agnes receives part 2 of her Adult Disability Payment application from Social Security Scotland. She completes the form and sends it back to them.
Agnes passes identity verification checks as she’s been at her address in Scotland for a few months.
She has her supporting information ready and submits it quickly.
Adult Disability Payment decision made
A case manager makes a decision to award Agnes Adult Disability Payment. She’s paid from the date of her application as she did not have a good reason for applying outside of the cross border timeframes.
Agnes receives a letter from Social Security Scotland confirming the award decision and details of her payments.
Late applications and good cause
Applications received outwith the cross border timeframes and without good cause are not eligible for backdating.
Find application deadlines for each benefit under ‘Application submission deadlines’.
A decision-maker will decide:
- if it was reasonable for the client to take as long as they did to apply
- the client clearly intended to apply for backdating on time but did not due to an honest and reasonable mistake
If yes, then the award is backdated and paid from the day after the client’s DWP or Department for Communities (NI) benefit ended.
If no, then the application is treated as a business as usual new application.
The award is paid from the date part 1 of the client’s part 1 application was submitted if:
- they submitted part 2 within 8 weeks of the part 1 application
- they had good cause to submit their part 2 later than 8 weeks after part 1
Scenario 17: Client is over 16 years old
This scenario applies to clients aged over 16 receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children.
James is 16 years old and has moved to Scotland with his parents
James is currently receiving DLA for children from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) because he's just turned 16. He’s moved from Oxford to Dundee with his parents.
James’ parents call the DWP to let them know James now lives in Scotland. The DWP update his address.
The DWP advise his parents to apply to Social Security Scotland for Child Disability Payment as soon as possible.
James wants to apply for his own benefits
James wants to step up and represent himself going forward. In Scotland clients can represent themselves from 16 years old.
Normally clients over 16 cannot apply for Child Disability Payment. However, clients who move to Scotland from elsewhere in the UK must apply for Child Disability Payment to be eligible for backdating. This replaces DLA for children they got from DWP at the time of their move. James could apply for Adult Disability Payment, but his application would be processed under normal new application rules, so backdating would not be available.
James is currently in receipt of DLA for children and decides to apply for Child Disability Payment as soon as he can. If his application is successful, this will reduce the risk of a break in payment and make sure he’s paid from the day after his DLA for children ends.
James contacts Social Security Scotland
As James has never applied for a benefit before, he decides to call Social Security Scotland and ask for help.
When he calls, he chooses ‘Child Disability Payment’ from the recorded options and answers ‘yes’ to the question, ‘Have you moved to Scotland in the last 6 months?’
James is connected to a client adviser. The client adviser confirms that James has recently moved to Scotland and in receipt of DLA for children. They ask him his date of birth to make sure he can apply for Child Disability Payment on his own.
James completes part 1 over the phone. The client adviser refers him to our local delivery support to complete part 2. He’s advised to provide supporting information as part of his application.
Clients can find information about supporting information on mygov.scot.
James receives a letter from DWP
In the meantime, James receives a disallowance (‘goodbye’) letter from DWP. This letter confirms when his DLA for children award will end. It also tells him how to contact Social Security Scotland for more information.
Local delivery team contact James
A couple of weeks later, James is contacted by the local delivery booking team to arrange a time, date and venue for his pre-claim appointment. He asks for a video call appointment and for his dad to join for moral support.
James has his video call with a local delivery team client at the agreed time.
James passes his identity verification. The client support adviser helps him complete part 2 of his Child Disability Payment application and submit his supporting information.
James completes his part 2 application within 32 weeks after his move to Scotland so is eligible to have his application prioritised and backdated.
A client adviser processes James’ application and passes it to the decision-making team to be prioritised.
Child Disability Payment decision made
The case manager considers James’ application. As it has all the supporting information needed, they’re able to make a decision quickly. The case manager makes their decision. James is awarded Child Disability Payment. This will be paid from the day after his DLA for children ended.
James receives a letter from Social Security Scotland confirming the Child Disability Payment award decision and details of his payments.