Qualifying periods

This chapter explains the qualifying periods (also known as the ‘backwards and forwards tests’ for Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (Scottish Adult DLA).

The backwards test is the amount of time the individual must have met the eligibility criteria for a particular component, or rate of a component of Scottish Adult DLA (Scottish Adult DLA regs, reg. 6(2)(a), 6(3), 7(4)(a), 8(9)(a)) before they are entitled to receive it.

The forwards test looks at the amount of time the individual is likely to meet the eligibility criteria for a particular component, or rate of a component of Scottish Adult DLA. (Scottish Adult DLA regs, reg. 6(2)(b), 7(4)(b), 8(9)(b)).

There is no backwards test or forwards test for individuals with a terminal illness. For more information please consult the Special Rules for Terminal Illness chapter.

The backwards and forwards tests vary in duration depending on whether the client is under or over the ‘relevant age’. The ‘relevant age’ for Scottish Adult DLA is:

• pensionable age
• or, if higher, 65.

For those over the ‘relevant age’, the backwards and forwards tests also differ between the care component and the mobility component. These differences are detailed below, as well as in the Annex at the end of this chapter.