People Over State Pension Age With Long-term Health Issues to Receive New Benefits Starting This Autumn

People over State Pension age who live in five Scottish local councils will be the first in the country to be eligible for a new disability payment beginning in October.

Introduction of Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) in Scotland

Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) will substitute for new Attendance Allowance claims in Argyll and Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City, Orkney, and Shetland.

The benefit will be accessible in 13 further local authority areas in March of next year, before being expanded across Scotland by April of 2025. Pension Age Disability Benefit is available for individuals of State Pension age who have a disability or a chronic medical condition that requires assistance with self-care or supervision to remain safe.

It is tax-free, not means-tested, and will be granted at the same rates as the DWP equivalent. This means that it will be worth £72.65 (lower rate) if you require assistance during the day or night, or £108.55 (higher cost) if you want assistance throughout the day and at night, or if you are suffering from a terminal illness.

The disability benefit will be handled by Social Security Scotland and handed out every four weeks, so you might receive either £290.60 or £434.20 per pay period.

According to the latest DWP numbers, 136,252 persons in Scotland are now receiving Attendance Allowance.

Existing claimants are not required to take any action because their awards will be immediately transferred from the DWP to Social Security Scotland. This will take place in stages, with the first slated to be transferred in early 2025.

Scottish Government Introduces Pension Age Disability Payment with Streamlined Support Approach

According to the Scottish Government, the Pension Age Disability Payment was established with the benefit recipients and their supporters in mind.

Improvements include a more streamlined approach for clients to nominate a third-party representative to help them connect with Social Security Scotland.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville stated: “In the midst of the cost of living crisis it is more important than ever that older people get the support they’re entitled to. We developed Pension Age Disability Payment by listening to the people who would be applying for it and those who support them. We made changes including making it easier for an eligible person to nominate a third-party representative, something people told us was important for many older people.

“The pilot phase will allow us to put our different approach into practice, learning and improving before the benefit is rolled out across Scotland.”

However, she added: “If you think you might be eligible for support right now, I encourage you to apply for Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions.

“Anyone getting that benefit will automatically have their award transferred to Pension Age Disability Payment next year so there is no reason to wait.”