Supporting information for Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance: guidance for local authorities and health boards

This guidance is for anyone based at a local authority or health board who has been asked to provide supporting information.

Case managers may ask us to broadly confirm the client’s conditions, disability or needs.

It does not need to:

• be a diagnosis
• confirm every detail in the client’s application
• confirm every condition or disability they might have

Case managers will ask the following question:

‘Please confirm the client’s conditions or disability (if they do not have a diagnosis, please confirm their needs or symptoms), and tell us what medication or treatment, if any, they’re prescribed.’

This question is not about getting information on:

• the impact a client’s conditions or disability have on their life
• the support they may need

Eligibility

Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance is a closed benefit. This means there are no new applications. If you’ve received a request for supporting information, this is likely due to a review of a client’s existing award.

If a client’s needs increase, before their award can be increased, the client would need to have had their conditions and symptoms for the qualifying period.

Therefore if possible, provide us with information on whether you understand the client’s condition is likely to:

• get worse
• get better
• be variable

Qualifying periods

People born on or before 8 April 1948

Clients need to have had their care needs and any mobility difficulties for 6 months or more in order to be eligible.

People born on or after 9 April 1948

Clients need to meet each of the following criteria:

• have care needs and any mobility difficulties for 3 months or more
• be expected to have these needs and difficulties for 6 months or more