Over £140k paid to new clients during Child Disability Payment pilot

More than £140,000 was paid to families during the pilot of Child Disability Payment, according to the latest official statistics.

The figures cover the period 26 July to 21 November 2021.

The Child Disability Payment application form consists of two parts that can be completed up to six weeks apart.

Used by 84% of clients, the online application is offered for the first time anywhere in the UK for a disability benefit and was by far the most popular method for applying. Phone applications accounted for 13%, paper 2% and further alternatives 1%.

Applications were received from people living in the local authority areas of Dundee City, Perth & Kinross and the Western Isles, where the benefit was initially available over a four-month period. Dundee City accounted for 54% of applications received, Perth & Kinross 41% and Western Isles 3%.

Child Disability Payment can now be applied for nationally. The benefit replaces the UK Government’s Disability Living Allowance for children.

Those already receiving Disability Living Allowance for children do not need to make a new application as we will contact them ahead of their award being automatically transferred.

Background

Child Disability Payment provides money to help with the extra care and mobility costs children and young people with a disability may have, up to the age of 18.

People can find out more and apply through mygov.scot or by calling 0800 182 2222.

Those already receiving Disability Living Allowance for children do not need to make a new application as we will contact them ahead of their award being automatically transferred. This is happening in a phased approach and we aim to have the transfer process completed for everyone in receipt of Disability Living Allowance for children by spring 2023.

The transfer has begun with the cases of those aged 16 or over in receipt of Disability Living Allowance for children and those with a terminal illness being selected first. All other clients aged up to 16-years-old will have their award transferred from spring 2022.

Awards will continue to be made at the same rates as clients’ previous Disability Living Allowance for children payments and there will be no break in entitlement in line with our commitment to a safe and secure transfer.

Child Disability Payment is the first of the three complex disability benefits to be introduced by the Scottish Government that will replace current UK benefits. Adult Disability Payment will be introduced in 2022.

Figures may not sum due to rounding

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