Disabled people and carers must take action to prevent loss of support
Disabled people and carers who move to Scotland from other parts of the UK must take action if they want to continue receiving certain benefits.
From 23 February, people getting Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) who move to Scotland need to apply for the Scottish versions of those benefits.
Pension Age Disability Payment and Scottish Adult DLA are the equivalents of Attendance Allowance and DLA in Scotland.
To minimise payment disruptions. people affected are being urged to tell the DWP about their change of address as soon as possible after they have moved, and before contacting Social Security Scotland.
Similar rules came into force on 6 November last year for people getting Disability Living Allowance for children, Personal Independence Payment and Carer’s Allowance.
Deputy Director of Social Security Scotland Ally MacPhail said:
“The Scottish benefit system is built on the principles of dignity, fairness and respect, and we want disabled people and carers to get every penny they’re entitled to.
“I urge everyone affected by these changes to ensure they apply for the equivalent benefits as soon as possible after they move.
“Our staff can answer questions and help people apply phone, through webchat or through a face-to-face appointment with one of our community-based advisors.”
For more information including access to local support services 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 impacted benefits to someone for 13 weeks after they move to Scotland
- People who make a successful application for one of the impacted benefits 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