Differences between ADP and PIP eligibility criteria

Special rules for terminal illness

Another difference is the definition of ’terminal illness’ under the special rules for terminal illness. For an individual to be entitled to PIP under the special rules for terminal illness, the individual must have a progressive disease where death as a consequence of that disease can reasonably be expected within 6 months.

For an individual to be entitled to ADP under the special rules for terminal illness, the individual must have a progressive disease that can reasonably be expected to cause the individual’s death: there is no requirement that death must be 3 expected to occur within 6 months. This means that if an individual is receiving PIP under special rules for terminal illness, and they move to Scotland, they will always satisfy the special rules for terminal illness for ADP.

If an individual has been awarded PIP under special rules for terminal illness, they automatically receive the enhanced rate of the daily living component but must satisfy the conditions for the mobility component in the usual way.

In contrast, individuals who are awarded ADP under the special rules for terminal illness automatically receive the enhanced rate for both the mobility and daily living components. This means that if an individual is receiving PIP under ‘Special Rules for Terminal Illness’ and they move to Scotland, they will be entitled to a greater amount of assistance if they weren’t already in receipt of the enhanced rate of the mobility component.

Under the special rules on entitlement to ADP for terminal illness, an appropriate healthcare professional both:

• certifies that the individual has a terminal illness
• notifies Social Security Scotland of the diagnosis In some instances, an individual may inform Social Security Scotland that they have a terminal illness.

The chapter on Special Rules for Terminal Illness give more information.