Over 250 pensioners have already applied for the new Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) since its launch in late October 2024. According to Social Security Scotland’s latest data, 605 pensioners have completed the first part of the application process, and 181 (71%) have already started receiving payments of up to £434 every four weeks.

This new disability benefit is available for pensioners over the State Pension age living in specific areas, including Argyll and Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City, Orkney, and Shetland. PADP is designed to gradually replace Attendance Allowance for individuals aged 66 and older living in Scotland. It will become available in 13 additional local authority areas starting March 2025 and will eventually be rolled out nationwide by April 2025.

What Is the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP)?

The Pension Age Disability Payment is aimed at individuals aged 66 and older who have a disability, a long-term health condition, or are diagnosed with a terminal illness. It is intended to help people who need assistance with personal care or supervision to stay safe.

Social Security Scotland’s figures show that most claimants are aged 70, with current application processing times averaging four working days. However, as the program expands, this timeline could increase. If you or someone you know lives in one of the five pilot areas, submitting a new claim by the end of this week could result in processing and back payments being issued as soon as next week.

Tax-Free and Non-Means-Tested Benefit

The Pension Age Disability Payment is tax-free, non-means-tested, and is paid at the same rates as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) counterpart. Depending on the level of care needed, payments will either be £72.65 per week (lower rate) for those who need assistance during the day or night or £108.55 per week (higher rate) for those needing help both during the day and night, or those who are terminally ill.

If you currently receive Attendance Allowance, you don’t need to apply for the new benefit. You will be automatically moved from the DWP system to Social Security Scotland, with no disruption in payments. The transition will happen in phases, with the first transfers expected in the spring.

Support for Claimants and Streamlined Process

The Scottish Government has worked closely with individuals who will benefit from this payment and those who support them to design the application process. For example, the process allows people to nominate a third-party representative to help them communicate with Social Security Scotland.

For those diagnosed with a terminal illness, a fast-track process is in place to ensure quicker access to the benefit.

PADP Rollout Timeline

Currently, the benefit is available for people living in the following areas:

• Argyll and Bute
• Highland
• Aberdeen City
• Orkney
• Shetland

Starting March 24, 2025, it will be available in 13 more local authority areas:

• Aberdeenshire
• East Ayrshire
• North Ayrshire
• South Ayrshire
• Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles)
• Stirling
• Clackmannanshire
• Falkirk
• Fife
• Angus
• Dundee City
• Perth & Kinross
• Moray

Finally, by April 22, 2025, the benefit will be available nationwide across Scotland.

Who Can Apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment?

To qualify for the Pension Age Disability Payment, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be over the State Pension age (66)
• Have care needs during the day or night for six months or more due to a disability or health condition

Even if you haven’t had care needs for six months, you can still apply. If your application is successful, the award will begin six months after your care needs started. A separate fast-track application process is available for terminally ill individuals.

It’s important to note that you can’t receive both the Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time. Existing claimants will automatically be moved to the new system, and there will be no disruption in payments during this transition.

If you currently receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you don’t need to do anything. Your benefits will also be transferred to Social Security Scotland.

Payment Rates for Pension Age Disability Payment

The weekly payment rates for the new benefit are as follows:

• Lower rate: £72.65
• Higher rate: £108.55

These rates match those of the Attendance Allowance, and Social Security Scotland is already providing these rates for the devolved Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment.

How to Apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment

Applications for the Pension Age Disability Payment can only be made once the benefit has been launched in your area. You can check the availability of the benefit in your area on mygov.scot.

If you’re over State Pension age and have a disability that requires assistance or supervision, you should continue applying for Attendance Allowance through the DWP until PADP is available in your area.

Support for Applicants

The Scottish Government provides additional support through the independent advocacy service VoiceAbility, which helps disabled individuals navigate the application process for devolved benefits. If you need assistance, you can contact Social Security Scotland at 0800 182 2222 and ask them to refer you to an advocate.

Conclusion

The launch of the Pension Age Disability Payment brings much-needed support for pensioners with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or terminal illnesses. With the rollout expanding gradually across Scotland, more individuals will have access to this crucial benefit. Whether you’re applying for the first time or transitioning from Attendance Allowance, the process is designed to be as smooth as possible, offering important financial help for those in need.

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