Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland

Adult Disability Payment (ADP) helps with the extra costs of living with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. It has replaced PIP in Scotland, and is paid by Social Security Scotland. You do not have to spend it on anything in particular.

Who can get Adult Disability Payment?

You may be able to get Adult Disability Payment if all of these apply:

• you are 16 or over and under State Pension age
• you have a health condition or disability that makes it hard to do everyday tasks or get around
• you have had these difficulties for at least 13 weeks (about 3 months) and expect them to last at least 39 more weeks (about 9 months)
• you live in Scotland (there are some exceptions)

You do not need a diagnosis. You do not need to have paid National Insurance, and it does not matter whether you work. Your income and savings do not count.

If you are terminally ill, there are special rules that make it faster and easier to apply. See if you are terminally ill below.

The two parts

Adult Disability Payment has two parts, just like PIP. You can get one, or both.

• Daily living part: for help with things like preparing food, washing, dressing, managing medicines, talking to people and managing money.
• Mobility part: for help with planning a journey and moving around.

Each part is paid at a standard or an enhanced rate. The amounts are the same as PIP, and are shown above.

How it is decided: points

Adult Disability Payment uses the same 12 activities and points as PIP: 10 for daily living and 2 for mobility. For each activity, Social Security Scotland picks the statement that best describes you.

The points for each part are added up separately. Read the 12 activities explained. The guide is written for PIP, but the activities and points are the same.

How it is different from PIP

The money and the points are the same, but the way your application is handled is different.

• Consultations are not automatic. Social Security Scotland will only ask you to a consultation if it is the only way to get the information it needs. If you do need one, it is with a health and social care practitioner who works for Social Security Scotland, not a private company.
• Award reviews are "light touch". When your award is reviewed, Social Security Scotland should not ask for new evidence unless it really needs it.
• You have longer to challenge a decision. You get 42 days (6 weeks) to ask for a redetermination, instead of one month for PIP.
• Your payment can carry on while you challenge. If your award is cut or stopped and you challenge it, you can ask for Short-term Assistance. See if you disagree with a decision below.
• The terminal illness rules are different. There is no 12-month time limit. See if you are terminally ill below.
• There is free help to apply. See free help with your application below.

How to apply

You can apply in one of these ways:

1. Online through mygov.scot. There are 2 parts. Send part 1 within 14 days, and part 2 within 8 weeks.
2. By phone on 0800 182 2222. Social Security Scotland will send you a paper form and an envelope, and you have 8 weeks to send it back.
3. With help from a Local Delivery adviser, who can go through the form with you.

If you need more time to finish your application, ask Social Security Scotland. It can give you longer.

You can apply on the Adult Disability Payment page on mygov.scot.

Free help with your application

• Local Delivery is a free service from Social Security Scotland. An adviser can answer your questions and go through forms with you step by step. You can meet them at home, at a place near you, or talk by phone or video call. Contact Social Security Scotland to book, even if you have not applied yet. Advisers do not make decisions on applications.
• The Independent Advocacy Service is free for disabled people in Scotland who want help with Social Security Scotland benefits. It is run by the charity VoiceAbility. An advocate can help you apply, and help you challenge a decision.

If you are terminally ill

The special rules for terminal illness in Scotland are different from PIP.

• There is no time limit. You do not need to be expected to live 12 months or less.
• A doctor or nurse decides whether you have a terminal illness, using their own judgement and official guidance. They fill in a form for you.
• You get the highest rate of both parts automatically.
• Your award has no review date, unless your circumstances change.
• Applications are fast-tracked, and someone can apply for you over the phone.

If you disagree with a decision

1. Ask for a redetermination. This means Social Security Scotland looks at the decision again. You have 42 days from the date on your decision letter. You can ask online, by phone or on a paper form. If you are late, it may still accept your request if you have a good reason.
2. Appeal to a tribunal. If you still disagree, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland.

If your award is cut or stopped after a review, and you challenge it, you can ask for Short-term Assistance. This tops your payment back up to what it was while you wait. You do not have to pay it back if you lose, unless the original award was got by fraud. You cannot get Short-term Assistance on a first application.

What Adult Disability Payment can lead to

If you get the enhanced rate of the mobility part, you may be able to lease a car, powered wheelchair or scooter through the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme. This is Scotland's version of the Motability Scheme. Your mobility payment goes straight to the lease. Usually you need at least 12 months left before your next award review, or an award with no end date.

Adult Disability Payment can also help you get other support, such as a Blue Badge or help for someone who cares for you. Check with your council or Social Security Scotland.

If you move out of Scotland

If you move to England or Wales, tell Social Security Scotland. Your Adult Disability Payment can carry on for up to 13 weeks and then stops. This gives you time to claim PIP from the DWP instead. Read how to claim PIP.