New rules on disability and carers benefits for people moving to Scotland

Disabled people and carers who move to Scotland from other parts of the UK must take action if they want to continue receiving financial support.

The Scottish Government has introduced replacements for Personal Independence Payment, DLA for children and Carer’s Allowance.

From 6 November, anyone getting one of these benefits who moves to Scotland will need to apply for the replacement benefits from Social Security Scotland.

To minimise payment disruptions, applications for the replacement benefits - Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment and Carer Support Payment - should be made as soon as possible after the move.

Before applying to Social Security Scotland, people must tell the Department for Work and Pensions or Department of Communities in Northern Ireland about their move.

For more information visit mygov.scot/moving-to-scotland or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.

Background

• The Department for Work and Pensions or Department of Communities in Northern Ireland will continue to pay PIP, DLA for children and Carer's Allowance to someone for 13 weeks after they move to Scotland
• People who make a successful application for Child Disability Payment, Adult Disability Payment or Carer Support Payment within specific timescales may be entitled to have their payments backdated to the day after their Department for Work and Pensions benefit ended. More information is available at mygov.scot/moving-to-scotland
• From Spring next year, people getting Attendance Allowance who move to Scotland will also need to inform the Department for Work and Pensions or Department for Communities about their move and apply for Pension Age Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland. People getting DLA will also need to inform their benefit provider and get in touch with Social Security Scotland to request Scottish Adult DLA.