Pension Age Disability Payment replaced Attendance Allowance in Scotland

Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) has replaced Attendance Allowance for people of State Pension age in Scotland, according to guidance published by Social Security Scotland and independent organisations¹. The benefit is administered by Social Security Scotland and is not means-tested, so it does not matter if the person applying is working or has savings¹.

People can apply if they are of State Pension age and are disabled or have a long-term health condition, need help looking after themselves or supervision to keep them safe, or are terminally ill¹. Independent Age states that applicants must have needed help with care needs or regular supervision for at least six months, and that a diagnosis is not required³. Turn2us notes that it does not matter if no one actually gives the help, as long as the need can be shown².

The payment has two rates. The lower rate is £76.70 a week, awarded if someone meets the criteria due to either daytime or night-time needs. The higher rate is £114.60 a week, awarded if someone meets the criteria due to both daytime and night-time needs, or if they are terminally ill¹. There is no mobility component¹.

PADP is paid every four weeks, for the previous four-week period, into the account given as part of the application. The first payment will usually be calculated from the date the client called to start the application process or submitted the first part of their online application. If someone is terminally ill, they will be paid weekly in advance¹.

People who are getting Attendance Allowance do not need to apply, as their award will be automatically transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions to Social Security Scotland¹. People who are getting Adult Disability Payment will stay on Adult Disability Payment and will not transfer to PADP when they reach State Pension age¹.

For terminal illness applications, a fast-track process applies. Confirmation of the terminal diagnosis is needed from a doctor or nurse, who should complete the Benefits Assessment under Special Rules in Scotland (BASRiS) form. Eligible clients get the higher rate no matter how long they have been terminally ill or how long they are expected to live¹. Marie Curie states that a BASRiS form can be used when applying for Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment or Pension Age Disability Payment, and that there is no set time frame for how soon death might be expected⁴.

Why it matters for households

People of State Pension age in Scotland with care needs now claim PADP rather than Attendance Allowance, and existing Attendance Allowance awards transfer automatically without a new application¹. The payment is not means-tested and is not taxable, so income and savings do not affect eligibility¹. Independent Age states that PADP will not reduce other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, and that in some cases an award may mean entitlement to higher rates of those benefits because of extra needs³. The payment is made every four weeks in arrears, except for terminal illness cases, which are paid weekly in advance¹.

What happens next

There are no dated next steps in the published guidance. Applications can be made online at mygov.scot, in person, over the phone, or by requesting a paper form by post by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222¹. Further support is available from the independent advocacy service Advocacy.scot, operated by Advice Direct Scotland, on 0808 196 8901¹.