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)).

Sign up to our newsletter

If you are an organisation or individual who works with people who may need information or support on any of our benefits, sign up to our stakeholder newsletter.

We'll never send you content you haven’t asked for and you can opt out at any time.

Please enter a valid email address

Read our privacy policy