By Linda Howard
Copyright dailyrecord
Everyone in Scotland who was getting Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has now had their benefit transferred to Adult Disability Payment (ADP), paid directly by Social Security Scotland. The Scottish Government confirmed nearly 350,000 claimants had their award safely and securely moved from the DWP to the devolved IT system without having to make a new application. However, Social Security Scotland, which now administers and delivers the benefit to 484,055 people north of the border, issued crucial advice to anyone still receiving PIP . If you have a Scottish postcode and have not received a letter about the PIP transfer to ADP, you need to contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 or by contacting them on webchat . Last month marked the third anniversary of ADP being available across Scotland and the complete transfer represents the delivery of an entirely new approach to disability assistance based on ‘dignity, fairness and respect’. The Scottish Government explained that while the DWP outsources assessments to private firms, Social Security Scotland uses information from professionals who know the disabled person when making decisions, such as their GP or a support worker. Commenting at the time, Shirley-Anne Somerville , Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, said: “The transfer to Adult Disability Payment from PIP was a monumental challenge that we’ve delivered for people across Scotland. “Nearly 350,000 individuals had their data safely and securely moved from the DWP’s systems to ours without having to make a new application for assistance. We also ensured there was no break in their payments. “This month marks three years since Adult Disability Payment was available across Scotland, the achievement of our ambitious plan to deliver an entirely new approach to disability assistance rooted in compassion. “That approach will continue to be at the heart of social security in Scotland. That is why I can assure people the Scottish Government will not cut Adult Disability Payment. We will never seek to balance the books on the backs of disabled people.” Ms Somerville added: “While the UK Government has caused so much anxiety for disabled people in recent months, that is not an approach the Scottish Government will take. We will ensure disabled people will get the support they are entitled to and be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.” In response, a UK Government spokesperson said: “We are fixing the broken welfare system we inherited so it helps people in Scotland to live with dignity and helps them into work, while ensuring the safety net will always be there for the most vulnerable. “Our reforms mean more people in Scotland will be supported into good, secure jobs – backed by £3.8 billion of employment support – boosting living standards and growing the economy as part of our plan for change. “We’re also increasing the standard rate of Universal Credit so claimants across Scotland have more money in their pockets, as well as raising the national living wage, and giving additional support to the poorest households.” The average time to process a new claim for ADP is now 46 working days, just over nine weeks. This means people making a new claim before the end of this month could have an award decision before Christmas – 12 weeks away – although it’s important to be aware that some applications can take shorter or longer to process. ADP is a devolved benefit designed to help people aged between 16 and State Pension age with additional daily living and, or, mobility costs as a result of a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition. Older people, especially those nearing State Pension age – which is currently 66, but set to start rising to 67 from next year – who make a successful claim for ADP could see the award carried over into State Pension age. It’s important to be aware that award lengths vary by claimant and that the condition itself does not guarantee a successful claim – it’s how the condition affects the claimant. An award for PIP or ADP is worth between £29.20 and £187.45 each week, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Many people may be unaware that PIP and ADP can provide support for hundreds of health conditions. Both benefits could help people with daily living tasks or moving around, or both. Below is an overview of PIP and ADP. Even though new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, it shares most of the same eligibility criteria. Full guidance on ADP can be found on MYGOV.SCOT. To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we have outlined above, if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP. There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the GOV.UK website here . DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at: PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP is made up of two components: Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Daily living Mobility You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments – it’s important to be aware that the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here. Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant – find out more about the changes here . You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here . Before you call, you will need: People can apply for ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
