National rollout of pension age disability payment across Scotland 

Applications now open to qualifying pensioners for new benefit, following successful pilots in 18 local authority areas  

A new benefit is available in Scotland to support people of state pension age who are disabled, have a long-term health condition that means they need help looking after themselves or supervision to stay safe, or are terminally ill.  

Photo by Tommao Wang / Unsplash

The Scottish pension age disability payment replaces the attendance allowance delivered by the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions. Payments are of between £295 and £441 per month, depending on individual circumstance. Eligibility is not means tested. 

The 169,000 people in Scotland currently receiving attendance allowance will be automatically transferred to the new payment over the course of this year, with no interruption to the payments they receive. Social Security Scotland will write to them to confirm when the transfer is being made and when it is complete; all transfers are expected to be completed by the end of the year. 

This is the 15th benefit to be delivered by the Scottish government itself. The rollout follows a successful scheme that began in October last year in 18 local authority areas.   

For help in applying for the new payment and other devolved benefits, Social Security Scotland offers face-to-face support based in communities across the country. Assistance can also be obtained from the independent advocacy service Voiceability, funded by the Scottish government. 

See the Scottish government website for more information on the new pension age disability payment, including eligibility criteria and how to apply.    

Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, says: ‘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 and this has not changed following the UK Government’s announcement on benefit reforms.’ 

Katherine Crawford, Chief Executive at Age Scotland, adds: ‘The 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 which are designed to support and give guidance to anyone who is considering an application for themselves or someone else www.age.scot/benefitsworkshops .’ 

In related news:

Cancer guidelines overlook older adults, says new study 

NHS Universal Family programme finds jobs for 169 care leavers 

Better studies of mental health apps needed – BMJ Mental Health