Starting from October 21, 2024, a new disability benefit will be introduced in Scotland to replace the Attendance Allowance for people over State Pension age.
The benefit will first become available in five local authority areas: Argyll and Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City, Orkney, and Shetland. The programme will expand to other regions over time.
New State Pension Age Benefit Launches in Scotland This Autumn
According to The Daily Record, the new benefit is tax-free, not means-tested, and will be paid at the same rates as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) equivalent. This means it will either be £72.65 at the lower rate for those needing help during the day or night, or £108.55 at the higher rate for those requiring assistance during both day and night, or if they are terminally ill.
Those who currently get Attendance Allowance will be transitioned automatically from the DWP benefits platform to the Social Security Scotland system. This will take place gradually, with the initial benefit payments expected to be provided in early 2025.
The most recent DWP data show that 136,252 individuals living in Scotland are currently receiving Attendance Allowance. Current claimants will not be asked to submit an application in order to access the benefit, and no breaks in payments are expected while transitioning.
According to the Scottish Government, Pension Age Disability Payment has been created with the assistance of people who will qualify for the benefit along with those who support them.
Changes include easier alternatives for people to nominate someone to represent and assist them in corresponding with Social Security Scotland.
How to Qualify for Pension Age Disability Payment
The change in law and the new benefit proposal still require approval, however, it is suggested that it will apply for individuals who meet these requirements:
- Those who are State Pension age (66) or older.
- Those who have had their condition for a minimum of six months
- Those who need extra assistance or care.
Guidance from Gov.Scot states: “It is anticipated that eligibility rules for Pension Age Disability Payment will remain broadly similar to Attendance Allowance.”
It also says: “It is our intention that the rate of all forms of disability assistance will remain the same as the current rate of the equivalent UK disability benefit. The rate of assistance will increase in line with inflation each year.”
Around 700,000 will transition to the new Scottish welfare system by the end of 2025, as part of the migration process from DWP systems for those receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer's Allowance.
How Will Claims be Evaluated?
Social Security Scotland will determine eligibility for Pension Age Disability Payment based on the applicant’s circumstances and available supporting information.
As previously stated, no face-to-face assessments will be part of the application process.
GOV.SCOT clarifies: “We are making the application process as simple and easy as possible to encourage and support people to apply for the payments they are entitled to. The application process for disability assistance will be inclusive, accessible, provided in a range of formats and available through a range of routes (online, phone, post and in-person).
“We are making a number of improvements to the application form to include clear guidance on how the eligibility criteria is applied. This will ensure a client is supported in providing relevant information with in-person support available.”
How to Apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment?
Applications for the new disability assistance benefit are not open yet.
Anyone over State Pension age, with a disability that requires assistance or supervision to look after themselves and ensure their safety, should consider submitting an application for Attendance Allowance through the DWP.