Advice for people applying for disability benefits

People who are disabled, terminally ill or living with a long-term health condition face many extra costs.

Child Disability Payment, Adult Disability Payment and Pension Age Disability Payment are there to help.

We are sharing advice for anyone intending to apply.

1.    Apply the way that suits you best

We offer people multiple ways to apply for our benefits.

Applications can be made online, by post, by phone or in-person through advisers based in local communities across Scotland.

A dedicated fast-track route is available to people who are terminally ill to make it easier and quicker for them to get the money they’re entitled to.

2. Provide as much detail as possible  

People qualify for Adult Disability Payment or Child Disability Payment disability benefits based on the impact of their condition on their daily needs.

It’s vital that everyone applying for support explains in detail how their disability or condition affects their life.

The application can be completed in stages – there’s no need to do it all at once.

3.    Be open about your condition

Many people find it difficult to focus on the things they or their child cannot do because of their disability or condition.

However, it’s important people are open with us about the challenges they face. Without a full picture of the issues someone is dealing with, we may not be able to award someone the money they are entitled to.

4.    Provide supporting information  

Social Security Scotland need supporting information from a professional, like a doctor, physiotherapist, or social worker, before they can make a decision on a disability benefit application.

People often have supporting information they can share with us, for example care plans, medical reports and prescription lists.

Sharing this with us can help us process someone's application faster.

We can collect supporting information on someone’s behalf if they do not have any. This takes time, but it’s a vital service for many people.  

Further information on supporting information is available at mygov.scot/supporting-information-disability-benefits

5. Get help to apply

Free help to apply for benefits is available from many sources.

Social Security Scotland can support people to apply over the phone on 0800 182 2222 or via webchat.

In-person help is available from our local advisers who are based in communities across Scotland. Get in touch with Social Security Scotland to request an appointment.

Support is also available from an advocate from VoiceAbility. The independent advocacy charity is funded by the Scottish Government to support disabled people throughout the process of applying for benefits from Social Security Scotland. VoiceAbility can be contacted on 0800 182 2222.

Organisations including Citizens Advice Scotland, Macmillan Cancer Support, Age Scotland and local authority welfare rights teams can also help.

For more information visit mygov.scot/benefits-support