The devolved benefit has replaced all new claims for Attendance Allowance in Scotland – and eligible pensioners could receive a first payment as early as this month
New data from Social Security Scotland reveals that 44,885 individuals over the age of 66 were receiving Pension Age Disability Payments (PADP) as of the end of July.
The devolved benefit has taken over all new claims for Attendance Allowance in Scotland, with existing claimants due to transfer from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by the end of the year.
The figures also indicate that since the benefit was introduced in October, 11,060 applications had been processed and a decision made by 31 July. Of these, 82 per cent were approved, 12 per cent were denied, and 6 per cent were withdrawn.
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For older individuals with a long-term health condition or disability considering making a new claim for PADP, the data suggests the average processing time – from application to decision award letter – is currently seven working days. For those applying with a terminal illness, it is two working days.
This implies that people submitting a new claim this week could receive a letter or an email with an award decision before the end of September. However, it’s crucial to note that complex cases may take longer and as awareness about the new benefit grows, that timeframe will undoubtedly increase.
People aged 75 to 79 comprised the largest age group, accounting for just over a quarter (28%) of the caseload, with the highest proportion of claimants residing in Glasgow City (11%), followed by North Lanarkshire (8%) and Fife and South Lanarkshire (both 7%), reports the Daily Record.
Folks of State Pension age who have a disability, long-term illness or health condition could qualify for the lower rate of £73.90 if they require assistance during the day or at night. Alternatively, they could be eligible for the higher rate of £110.40 if they need help both during the day and at night, or if they are terminally ill.
The conditions supported by Attendance Allowance and PADP are listed below, based on information from the DWP’s Attendance Allowance computer system. PADP also supports individuals with these conditions.
However, it’s crucial to understand that this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance or PADP. It’s meant to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported.
If you need additional support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should check out the official eligibility guidance for Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website.
The main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain are listed below:
- Arthritis
- Spondylosis
- Back Pain
- Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
- Trauma to Limbs
- Visual Disorders and Diseases
- Hearing Disorders
- Heart Disease
- Respiratory Disorders and Diseases
- Asthma
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Peripheral vascular Disease
- Epilepsy
- Neurological Diseases
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinsons Disease
- Motor Neurone Disease
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Metabolic Disease
- Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
- Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
- Learning Difficulties
- Psychosis
- Psychoneurosis
- Personality Disorder
- Dementia
- Behavioural Disorder
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse
- Hyperkinetic Syndrome
- Renal Disorders
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Bowel and Stomach Disease
- Blood Disorders
- Haemophilia
- Multi System Disorders
- Multiple Allergy Syndrome
- Skin Disease
- Malignant Disease
- Severely Mentally impaired
- Double Amputee
- Deaf/Blind
- Haemodialysis
- Frailty
- Total Parenteral Nutrition
- AIDS
- Infectious diseases: Viral disease – Coronavirus covid-19
The Scottish Government has stated that PADP was designed with the help of those who will be eligible for the benefit and those who support them. Improvements include a streamlined process for people to nominate a third party representative who can assist them in communicating with Social Security Scotland.
A fast-track process will be implemented for applicants diagnosed with a terminal illness. As previously mentioned, this process takes just one working day on average.
Eligibility for Pension Age Disability Payment
Full details on who can claim, how to claim, additional help available, what happens after a claim is submitted and extra support for successful claimants are provided in the guidance. Find out more here.
You’re eligible to apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you meet both:
Reached State Pension age (66)
Had care needs during the day or night for 6 months or more because of a disability or health condition
However, you can still apply if:
You have not had care needs for 6 months or more – your award will begin 6 months from when your care needs started if your application is successful
You are waiting for, or do not have, a diagnosis
You have a terminal illness – there is a separate fast-track application process if you’re terminally ill
It’s crucial to note that you cannot receive Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance simultaneously. Existing claimants will be automatically transitioned to Pension Age Disability Payment – this will be handled by Social Security Scotland and you won’t have to do anything.
If you’re currently receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you don’t need to take any action. Your benefit will be transferred to Social Security Scotland.
Payment rates for Pension Age Disability Payment.
Social Security Scotland will offer Pension Age Disability Payment at the same weekly rate as Attendance Allowance. It is also currently doing this for the devolved Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment.
The weekly payment rates for Attendance Allowance are:
Lower rate – £73.90.
Higher rate – £110.40.
Payments are typically issued every four weeks, amounting to £295.60 or £441.60 each payment period.
How do I apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment?
You can only apply for the new disability assistance benefit if it has been launched in your area. You can check on the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here.
Anyone over State Pension age with a disability that requires assistance with self-care, or supervision for safety, should continue to apply for Attendance Allowance through the DWP.
Support for making a claim is available from an independent advocate.
Assistance is also provided by the independent advocacy service VoiceAbility, funded by the Scottish Government, to aid disabled individuals applying for devolved benefits.
They offer a free, nationwide advocacy service to help disabled people access Social Security Scotland benefits.
If you require an advocate, you should:
contact Social Security Scotland for free on 0800 182 2222
ask them to refer you to the Independent Advocacy Service
Full contact details can be found here.
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