People receiving disability benefits who move from England or Wales to Scotland now need to take action themselves to avoid possible interruptions to their payments.
Disability Benefit Transfers To Scotland Have Changed
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has introduced new rules affecting people who permanently move to Scotland while receiving disability benefits. The change means some claimants will no longer have their benefits automatically transferred to the Scottish system.
The change follows the completion of Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) case transfers to Social Security Scotland.
Daily Record reported that the new process now applies to people receiving several DWP-delivered benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance for children (DLAc) and Carer’s Allowance.
People moving to Scotland must first notify the DWP or the Department of Communities in Northern Ireland about their change of address before applying for Scottish benefits.
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Claimants Must Apply For Scottish Replacement Benefits
Under the updated system, people moving permanently from England or Wales to Scotland need to apply for the relevant Scottish benefit rather than waiting for an automatic transfer.
The DWP said:
“Attendance Allowance customers who move permanently from England or Wales to Scotland now need to make a new claim to the Scottish benefit, Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). DLA customers who move permanently from England or Wales to Scotland now need to contact Social Security Scotland to discuss entitlement to Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA).”
The replacement benefits include Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment and Carer Support Payment.
The DWP and Northern Ireland authorities will continue paying PIP, children’s DLA and Carer’s Allowance for 13 weeks after someone moves to Scotland. The advice to apply quickly is linked to processing times between the different welfare systems.
Social Security Scotland Urges People Not To Delay Applications
Social Security Scotland said people should begin the application process as soon as possible after moving to reduce the risk of a break in payments.
Karyn Dunning, Chief Operating Officer at Social Security Scotland, said:
“It’s vital disabled people and carers who move to Scotland take action to ensure they continue to get the financial support they are entitled to.
“We know applying for benefits can feel daunting, especially alongside moving to a new country, but there is an in-depth guide available on mygov.scot.
“Our staff are also here to answer questions and help people apply. We can provide help over the phone, through webchat or through a face-to-face appointment with one of our community-based advisors.
“I urge people not to put off applying. The Scottish approach to benefits is very different from that of the DWP. For example, we do not use private sector assessors to make decisions.
“Our system is built on the principles of dignity, fairness and respect, and we want disabled people and carers to get every penny they’re entitled to.”
Payments May Be Backdated After Successful Claims
People who successfully apply for a Scottish disability benefit may receive payments backdated to the day after their previous DWP benefit ended.
Social Security Scotland provides guidance for people moving to Scotland through MYGOV.SCOT, including information about the application process and available support.
People can contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 for help with moving-related benefit questions.
