Scotland is about to implement a new Disability Benefit Scheme, the Pension Age Disability Payment, for people of State Pension age with a disability or long-term condition. This new payment scheme is intended to replace the Attendance Allowance system currently in force in Scotland.
Currently, more than 150,000 people in Scotland receive Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions. Rest assured, eligible claimants of the current Attendance Allowance will be automatically transferred to the new Scottish Social Security system. This transition will take place in stages, with the first phase due to begin in early 2025.
Attendance Allowance Change Dates to Remember
The Disability Pension Age benefit, which will replace the Attendance Allowance, will be introduced on three key dates:
- 21st October 2024
- 24th March 2025
- 22nd April 2025
From 21 October 2024, pensioners living in one of these five Scottish local authorities will be first in line for Disability Benefit at retirement age. These areas are:
- Argyll & Bute
- Highland
- Aberdeen City
- Orkney
- Shetland
Once the initial roll-out has been completed, the new scheme will be extended to a further 13 local authorities on 24 March 2025. This phase will include:
- Aberdeenshire
- East Ayrshire
- North Ayrshire
- South Ayrshire
- Na h-Eileanan Siar
- Stirling
- Clackmannanshire
- Falkirk
- Fife
- Angus
- Dundee City
- Perth & Kinross
- Moray
By 22 April 2025, Disability Pension will be available throughout the whole of Scotland.
Why the Change?
The move from Attendance Allowance to Pension Age Disability Benefit is designed to make a number of improvements to the existing benefit system. Mainly to streamline the process for claimants and their representatives.
Among the key improvements will be a more efficient procedure for claimants to appoint a third party representative who can help them liaise with Scottish Social Security.
Pension Age Disability Allowance is not means-tested and the amount is not income-tested. Monthly payments will vary between £290 and £434, depending on the recipient’s individual needs.
Secretary of State for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville stressed the importance of the new benefits system in the current cost of living crisis.
In the midst of the cost of living crisis, it is more important than ever that older people receive the support to which they are entitled.
She urged people who believe they may be eligible for help to apply to the Department for Work and Pensions for Attendance Allowance.
She also assured those currently in receipt of this allowance that it will be automatically transferred to disability allowance at retirement age next year.
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