Making an application before the qualifying age

In order to be entitled to PADP, an individual must be of State Pension age and over (PADP regs, reg 17 48). For more information on the State Pension age, please see PADP Rates and Criteria chapter.

Social Security Scotland provides Adult Disability Payment for new applications if an individual is between the age of 16 and State Pension age. Individuals in Scotland who have not yet reached the State Pension age should be signposted to apply for Adult Disability Payment.

If an individual receives Adult Disability Payment before reaching State Pension age, they will continue to receive this once they reach State Pension age, provided the individual continues to meet the necessary eligibility requirements.

However, if an individual still wants to make an application for PADP after signposting to Adult Disability Payment, they can make an application for PADP up to 26 weeks before reaching State Pension age. This is because the backwards test for PADP is 26 weeks. This is called a pre-emptive application.

If the individual meets the other eligibility criteria, including the backwards test, entitlement should begin on the date that the age criteria is met. The case manager should consider the application as having been made on the day that the age criteria is satisfied (PADP regs, reg 27(2)(a) and (b))