Who can make an application

An individual, or someone acting on their behalf, can make an application for PADP if they have reached the State Pension age (PADP regs, reg 17). For more information on the State Pension age, please see PADP Rates and Criteria chapter.

In most instances where an individual has not yet reached State Pension age, it is likely that they should apply for Adult Disability Payment. For more information on PADP applications before reaching State Pension age, please refer to the ‘making an application before the qualifying age’ section.

A person or organisation may apply for PADP on behalf of an individual who is not able to manage their own affairs. This could be a legal acting body, such as a Guardian or other court appointed acting body, or a Power of Attorney. Once confirmation has been received that a person has legal authority, Social Security Scotland can allow the person to act on behalf of the individual.

If nobody has legal authority to handle the individual’s financial affairs, Social Security Scotland can appoint a person or organisation as the individual’s ‘appointee’. An appointee referral should be made to the Local Delivery service, who will decide if the individual requires an appointee, and if the potential appointee is suitable. Further details are set out in statutory guidelines and operational guidance.

If an individual is receiving Attendance Allowance, Adult Disability Payment, Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance or Armed Forces Independence Payment, they are not entitled to receive PADP (PADP regs, reg 4)

Individuals making a new application must also satisfy a number of residence and presence conditions to be eligible to receive PADP.