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Relationship with the date of entitlement
The relevant backwards test must be met before the entitlement to a specific rate or component of Scottish Adult DLA can begin.
The date an individual satisfies the backwards test might differ for the care and the mobility component.
The case manager may need supporting information to determine that the backwards test has been met and the forwards test is likely to be met.
Different rules apply if the individual is staying in alternative accommodation. You can find more information on this in the Alternative Accommodation chapter.
Case managers use weeks to calculate the backwards test and forwards test.
Sometimes, individuals only give the month and year when the required level of needs began. In these cases, the date will be set as the first of the month as this is most favourable to the individual. In cases where more information is needed to determine whether or not the qualifying period has elapsed, the case manager should ask the individual to indicate a week in which the needs first arose. The case manager should then set the first day of the week as the day the needs began. The week runs from Monday to Sunday. This includes a part week.
Some individuals might only be able to give the week when the required level of needs began. In these cases, the case manager should assume that the needs began on the first day of the week in calculating the backwards test. The week runs from Monday to Sunday. This includes a part week.
Example: an individual gives the first week of the month as start date for their level of need
Seamus is 34 years old. When his Scottish Adult DLA review form is received, his support worker stated Seamus’ level of needs increased in the first week of October 2024. The first week of October starts on Monday 30 September. The case manager records this date as the first day of the backwards test.
Sometimes, an individual gives the last week of the month for when the required level of needs began. In these cases, it is assumed that the level of needs began on the first day of the final week of the month.
Example: an individual gives the last week of the month as start date for their condition
Shameen is 45 years old and has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, and her DLA award has transferred to Scottish Adult DLA. Shameen’s mother contacts Social Security Scotland to inform them that her needs have increased, but explains that the change occurred from the last week of March 2025. The last week of March starts on Monday 31 st March. The case manager uses this day as the first day when calculating the period of weeks for the backwards test.