Child Disability Payment decision making guide
Beginning an application
An individual can begin an application either by phone or online. This is part one of the application process.
Once they have started the application, the individual has 6 weeks to complete part two of the application.
To complete part one of the application process, an individual must provide the minimum data required to link them to a unique record. This is called the required data. The required data is the:
- full name of both the child or young person and individual applying on their behalf
- date of birth of the child or young person and individual applying on their behalf.
If the individual:
- completes part two of the application within 6 weeks of part 1
- is eligible for CDP
- meets the backwards and forwards test
the application will be considered made on the date that Part 1 of the application was received by Social Security Scotland (CDP Regs, reg. 24(1)).
If an individual:
- submits an application
- does not yet meet the criteria for the backwards test of 13 weeks
the case manager can set the date of application as the date when the backwards test is satisfied (CDP regs, reg.24 (1)(a)(b)).
The parents of 14 year old John are applying for CDP on his behalf for the first time. John has met the eligibility criteria for more than 13 weeks. His mum contacts Social Security Scotland on 12 February and requests an application form.
The completed application form must be submitted by 24 March.
John’s application is submitted by 22 March. The case manager determines that John is entitled to CDP from 12 February. This is because he has met the eligibility criteria for more than 13 weeks prior to 12 February.
8 year old Ash’s carer applies for CDP for the first time on the 12 March. Ash has met the eligibility criteria since 16 January when the needs related to her disability first arose. They will therefore meet the eligibility criteria for lowest rate of the care component and lower rate of the mobility component on 16 April. This date is 13 weeks since Ash’s needs arose.
The case manager determines that Ash is entitled to the lowest rate of the care component and the lower rate of the mobility component from 16 April.