A major change is coming for nearly 150,000 pensioners in Scotland, as Attendance Allowance is set to be replaced by a new devolved benefit by the end of the year. The Pension Age Disability Payment will take over, with the rollout beginning in select council areas before expanding nationwide in April 2025.
This transition is part of Scotland’s wider effort to take control of social security benefits, shifting administration from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to Social Security Scotland. The new benefit will follow the same eligibility rules and payment rates as Attendance Allowance, meaning claimants will not see a reduction in financial support. However, those in affected areas should be aware of key dates and what this transition means for them.
Where Is Attendance Allowance Ending First?
The new Pension Age Disability Payment is being introduced gradually, starting in five council areas before expanding to more regions in March 2025 and rolling out across all of Scotland in April 2025.
The rollout schedule is as follows:
Already available in:
- Argyll and Bute
- Highland
- Aberdeen City
- Orkney
- Shetland
From March 2025:
- Aberdeenshire
- East Ayrshire
- North Ayrshire
- South Ayrshire
- Western Isles (Na h-Eileanan Siar)
- Stirling
- Clackmannanshire
- Falkirk
- Fife
- Angus
- Dundee City
- Perth & Kinross
- Moray
From April 2025:
- Nationwide rollout across Scotland
Pensioners in these areas do not need to reapply—they will be automatically moved to the new benefit when the transition takes place.
How Will This Change Affect Pensioners?
The Scottish Government has confirmed that the Pension Age Disability Payment will match Attendance Allowance in both eligibility criteria and payment amounts. This means claimants will continue to receive:
- £72.65 per week (lower rate) for those needing help during the day or night.
- £108.55 per week (higher rate) for those requiring help both day and night, or who are terminally ill.
The transition is designed to be seamless, with Social Security Scotland automatically taking over payments from the DWP. Claimants will receive a notification letter before their transfer to confirm the details.
Additionally, the Scottish Government has made improvements to the claims process, including a simpler application system and better support for those needing help with their claims. One of the key changes is the introduction of easier access to third-party representatives, making it simpler for carers or family members to assist applicants.
What Should Current Claimants Do?
If you already receive Attendance Allowance, there is nothing you need to do. The transition will be handled automatically by Social Security Scotland, and payments will continue without interruption.
However, claimants must still report any changes in circumstances to the DWP until they have been transferred. This includes changes in health conditions, care needs, or financial situations that could impact eligibility.
For those who are not yet claiming, applications for Pension Age Disability Payment are now open in the first rollout areas and will open across Scotland by April 2025. Pensioners who need financial assistance due to a disability or health condition should check if they qualify and consider applying.
A New Era for Social Security in Scotland
This transition marks another step in Scotland’s ongoing devolution of benefits, giving Social Security Scotland full control over disability payments for pensioners. The Scottish Government has stated that the new system has been designed with input from claimants, ensuring a more user-friendly process compared to the DWP system.
While the benefit amounts and eligibility remain the same, the move is expected to provide better support and administration, particularly for those who struggled with the previous UK-wide system.
With the nationwide rollout approaching, pensioners are encouraged to stay informed and ensure they understand how these changes may impact them in the coming months.
