Pension Age Disability Payment claims in Scotland, Digi Mart USA News (Scotland): The latest figures from Social Security Scotland show 186,390 people over 66 were receiving Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) at the end of July. The published data also indicates new claims could be processed in as little as 17 working days, just over three weeks, which means someone making an application in November could receive an award decision before Christmas.
The devolved disability benefit is available to people living in Scotland who have reached State Pension age and need help because of a disability, long-term health condition or terminal illness. Savings and income do not affect eligibility, as the benefit is not means-tested.
Successful claimants could receive either £306.80 or £458.40 every four weeks, depending on the level of care they need.
The money is intended to help with the extra costs of living independently and staying safe at home. The statistics also show applications made under the Special Rules for Terminal Illness are being processed within two working days on average.
Online guidance provides full details on who can claim, how to claim, additional help available, what happens after a claim is submitted and extra support for successful claimants.
You can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you have both reached State Pension age and had care needs during the day or night for six months or more because of a disability or health condition. You can still apply if you have not had care needs for six months or more, in which case your award will begin six months from when your care needs started if your application is successful.
You can also apply if you are waiting for, or do not have, a diagnosis, or if you have a terminal illness, which has a separate fast-track application process.
You cannot receive Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time. If you receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you do not need to do anything, as your benefit will move to Social Security Scotland.
Social Security Scotland will provide PADP at the same weekly rate as Attendance Allowance. The weekly payment rates are £76.70 for the lower rate and £114.60 for the higher rate.
Payments are usually issued every four weeks, amounting to £306.80 and £458.40 respectively per payment period.
Full details on how to make a claim online, by phone, post or in person can be found on MYGOV.SCOT. Anyone over State Pension age living in England or Wales with a disability that means they need assistance with looking after themselves, or supervision to keep them safe, should continue to apply for Attendance Allowance through the DWP.
The Social Security Independent Advocacy Service, funded by the Scottish Government, was set up to ensure disabled people can understand and exercise their rights, participate fully in decisions and apply for vital support from Scotland’s devolved social security benefits. Advice Direct Scotland is the new provider of this service through its dedicated platform, advocacy.scot.
Queries can be directed to Advice Direct Scotland by calling 0808 196 8901 or emailing support@advocacy.scot.
Social Security Scotland can also help applicants apply for Pension Age Disability Payment, with full details on MYGOV.SCOT.
