£6.6 million paid to disabled adults in Scotland

A total of £6.6 million has been distributed to thousands of disabled adults since the new Scottish benefit became available across Scotland.

The latest official figures from Social Security Scotland show by 31 October almost 3500 people in Scotland were receiving Adult Disability Payment. The benefit helps cover the extra costs of being disabled, having a long-term health condition or terminal illness.

In Scotland it has replaced the Department of Work and Pension’s Personal Independence Payment, as well as Disability Living Allowance for those aged under 65 on 8 April 2013. Adult Disability Payment was first made available in March to people living in some areas of Scotland. It was rolled out across the country on 29 August.

Almost a quarter (24%) of those receiving the benefit at the end of October were from Dundee City and almost a fifth (17%) were from Perth and Kinross. Around one in ten (11%) were from North Lanarkshire with the same proportion coming from South Lanarkshire. These local authorities were all included in the pilot phases of Adult Disability Payment.

The most common age group for applicants was 55-64, representing 25% of applications made. Around 3% of applications were from those aged 16-18. In August, the Scottish Government changed the eligibility criteria so people who receive Child Disability Payment could continue to do so up until they turn 18, should they wish.

People in Scotland who are already receiving the UK Government’s Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance do not need to apply for Adult Disability Payment.

Existing awards will transfer automatically from the DWP to Social Security Scotland. Awards will transfer in stages and this process is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Those transferred from the DWP make up 10% of the almost 3500 people receiving Adult Disability Payment, while new applicants account for the remaining 90%.

People can apply Adult Disability Payment online, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit mygov.scot/adult-disability-payment or call 0800 182 2222

New applicants make up 90% of those receiving Adult Disability Payment with 10% seeing their award previously received from the DWP transferred to Social Security Scotland.