Backwards test

This chapter explains the backwards test for Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). The backwards test is also commonly referred to as the ‘required period’ (PADP regs, reg. 5(6)) or the ‘qualifying period’.

The backwards test is the amount of time an individual must have met the conditions of entitlement (PADP regs, reg. 5(6)) for a particular rate of PADP. The conditions of entitlement for both the lower and higher rate of PADP is set out in the PADP rates and criteria chapter. 

There is no backwards test for individuals with a terminal illness (PADP regs, reg. 5(7)). For more information, reference should be made to the Special Rules for Terminal Illness chapter.

This chapter also sets out how to apply the backwards test when an individual has applied for PADP after an interval.

The backwards test can be satisfied either from:

• The date an application is submitted by an individual, if they have told Social Security Scotland that their needs started more than 26 weeks ago or
• from the earliest date when a case manager can look back and determine that an individual has satisfied the conditions of entitlement for the previous 26 weeks.

The rules of the backwards test are applied differently when someone has a change in their rate of PADP during an award review. Reference should be made to the ‘changes in the individual’s level of need and receiving Pension Age Disability Payment’ section of this chapter.

The rules of the backwards test are also applied differently when an individual applies for PADP after an interval, depending on the difference between the previous and new rate of PADP being awarded (PADP regs, reg. 8) Reference should be made to the ‘Applying for PADP after an interval’ section of this chapter.