From Monday (20th June), people living in South Lanarkshire can apply for the Scottish Government’s new Adult Disability Payment.
Adult Disability Payment will be administered by Social Security Scotland and replaces Personal Independence Payment (PIP). It aims to provide financial support to people aged between 16 and State Pension age, who are disabled, have a long-term health condition or have a terminal illness.
Existing PIP and Disability Living Allowance (adult) claimants do not need to apply for the new benefit as case transfers from DWP to Social Security Scotland will be made automatically by the end of 2025.
Eligible people can apply for Adult Disability Payment in the way that suits them best. As well as online and over the phone, local delivery staff can provide pre-application advice. I encourage those who think they could be eligible to check and apply.
To be eligible (in most cases) for the Adult Disability Payment, you must be between 16 and the state pension age, live in Scotland and have a long-term condition or disability.
Adult Disability Payment is the twelfth Scottish benefit to be introduced, and is centred around our principles of dignity, fairness and respect. Importantly, the new payment will not involve private sector assessments, and applicants will be given greater choice to help them, including times and locations of meetings, with home visits available.
Welcoming the payment Christina McKelvie MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse said:
“This is a positive, responsible and compassionate approach to delivering disability benefits which marks a notable change from the UK-wide system. The system here in Scotland is anchored around principles of dignity, fairness and respect for those who are applying.
“This is the twelfth, and most complex, Scottish benefit to be introduced. It can be applied for online, over the phone and local delivery staff can provide pre-application advice while encouraging people to take up their entitlements.
“I would strongly urge those who think they may be eligible to check and apply. For those who might need additional support to apply they can also use VoiceAbility, an independent advocacy service which is funded by the Scottish Government.
“Those applying to Scottish benefits will be treated with dignity and respect and from a position of trust. No private sector assessors will be involved and clients will be given greater choice to help them, including times and locations of meetings, with home visits available.”