A significant change to the benefits system in Scotland is underway, as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Attendance Allowance is being phased out and replaced by the new Pension Age Disability Payment.
This shift, which affects thousands of claimants, is part of a broader effort by the Scottish Government to assume control over its social security system. The newly introduced benefit is designed to offer crucial financial assistance to older adults with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
According to GB News, the transition is expected to streamline the benefits process, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the support they need without delays. The new system promises to be a vital lifeline for those requiring assistance with daily care needs.
What is the Pension Age Disability Payment?
The Pension Age Disability Payment is designed for people aged State Pension age or older who require assistance with daily activities due to disability or health issues. It is intended to help individuals who need support for personal care or supervision to stay safe.
This benefit is non-means-tested and provides payments ranging from £295.60 to £441.60 per month, depending on the level of support required. There are two payment rates:
- A lower rate of £73.80 per week for those needing help during the day or night.
- A higher rate of £110.40 per week for those requiring more intensive care.
Individuals with terminal conditions automatically qualify for the higher payment.
Key differences from Attendance Allowance
The new system marks a departure from the previous Attendance Allowance, which was available to individuals over State Pension age with disabilities. The Pension Age Disability Payment provides support based on the level of care required, with a structured payment system designed to better address the needs of claimants.
This new benefit will gradually replace the Attendance Allowance, and recipients will transition over the course of 2025.
When Will the Changes Take Effect?
The Pension Age Disability Payment was first launched in October 2024 across five pilot areas: Aberdeen City, Argyll and Bute, Highland, Orkney, and Shetland. Following successful pilot phases, the benefit was extended to 13 additional areas in March 2025, and it is now available nationwide as of April 22, 2025.
Social Security Scotland is currently transferring 169,000 existing claimants of Attendance Allowance to the new system. The transition will happen gradually throughout 2025, with claimants being notified directly when their transfer occurs.
What Does This Mean for Current Claimants?
Current recipients of Attendance Allowance will not lose their benefits during the transition. Social Security Scotland has assured that payments will continue to be made on time and in the right amount, with no breaks in service.
This changeover will happen in phases, and all existing claimants will be informed when their transfer is complete. They should continue to report any changes in their circumstances to the DWP until their transfer is finalized.
Those who may be unsure about their eligibility or need help applying for the Pension Age Disability Payment can contact the Age Scotland helpline at 0800 12 44 222.
Additionally, Age Scotland provides an online benefits calculator on their website at www.age.scot/benefitscalculator and offers workshops to assist with applications.
Social Security Scotland also offers face-to-face support across communities in Scotland, and VoiceAbility, an independent advocacy service funded by the Scottish Government, is available to assist with benefit applications.
Expert Opinions
Shirley-Anne Somerville, the Scottish Government’s Social Justice Secretary, emphasized the importance of the new payment system. She said:
“The national launch of Pension Age Disability Payment is an important milestone in the development of our social security system, that will treat everyone with dignity, fairness and respect. The pilot phases have allowed us to put our different approach into practice, learning and improving before rolling the benefit out across Scotland. It is vital older people who are disabled, terminally ill, or those who have care needs get the money they need to help them look after themselves, stay safe, and live with dignity. The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring everyone gets the financial support they’re entitled to.”
Katherine Crawford, the Chief Executive at Age Scotland, also commented on the significance of the new benefit:
Pension Age Disability Payment will be a vital means of support for older people who have a disability or long-term health condition. With rising bills and cost of living stretching many beyond their means, it’s vital that older people are not missing out on any financial support. If you are unsure of your eligibility or looking for support with an application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222, use our online benefits calculator at www.age.scot/benefitscalculator, or book a place on one of our new workshops.
