Like-for-like benefit to support seamless
transition.
Plans for a Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, a new
benefit to provide continued support to around 66,000 adults with
a disability or long-term health condition, have been unveiled.
Under new proposals, eligible people who receive Disability
Living Allowance through the UK Government’s Department for Work
and Pensions would have their award transferred automatically to
the new Scottish benefit. They would then have the opportunity to
apply for Adult Disability Payment if they choose.
Legislation to create the ‘closed’ benefit – for existing
recipients of the Disability Living Allowance that it supersedes
– will be laid in the Scottish Parliament this year.
Social Justice Secretary said:
“I’m pleased that we can progress plans to bring forward
legislation to create a Scottish Adult Disability Living
Allowance and give people the opportunity to remain on this
benefit for as long as they are eligible.
“Once transferred, people can continue to be paid Scottish Adult
Disability Allowance or apply for our flagship Adult Disability
Payment if they prefer.
“Around 137,000 people are now receiving our Adult Disability
Payment and it has provided almost £462 million to disabled
people since it was launched in 2022.”
Background
Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance will be a ‘closed’
benefit, available only to those whose awards are transferred
onto it and not open to new applicants – who should instead apply
for Adult Disability Payment.
Under these proposals, eligible people who receive Disability
Living Allowance through the UK Department for Work and Pensions
would have their award transferred automatically to the Scottish
payment.
The new Scottish benefit will be introduced on a ‘like-for-like’
basis, with clients’ benefit components, rates and review periods
being upheld by Social Security Scotland, ensuring the transfer
will be straightforward for those affected. Subject to
legislative approval it Scottish Adult Disability Living
Allowance is expected to launch in early 2025.
People in Scotland currently receiving Personal Independence
Payments will continue to have their awards moved onto Adult
Disability Payment.
