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Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has replaced Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for all new and existing claimants living in Scotland with Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) on track to replace Attendance Allowance north of the border before the end of this year. The a nnual uprating for PIP and other disability benefits, such as Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance is typically determined by the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed last week this was 3.8 per cent for September. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced earlier this year that proposed reforms to PIP will not include freezing the April uprating. The DWP will confirm the uprating before the Autumn Budget, however, Scots on devolved benefits may have to wait until next year to find out how much their payments will rise. The Autumn Budget will take place on November 26 and the fiscal event will set out the UK Government's plans for the future. This includes spending, including the annual State Pension and benefits uprating. However, the Scottish Government’s Budget will not take place until January 13. It is unlikely that benefits administered and delivered in Scotland - with DWP-equivalent benefits - will be uprated to a value lesser than claimants in England and Wales as this could result in a two-tier benefits system across Great Britain which carries its own set of complications. It’s also important to be aware that the Scottish Government receives a ‘block funding grant’ from the UK Government to provide these benefits. According to Audit Scotland , the Scottish Government spent £2.6 billion in 2023/24 on ADP - £141 million more than the funding available through the UK block grant. In a new report last month, the watchdog said the gap will grow to £770m by 2030. It’s also essential for nearly half a million people in receipt of ADP that the Scottish Government has no plans to “cut” ADP or introduce eligibility reforms. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville recently said: “We will not cut Adult Disability Payment and I urge the UK Government to follow our lead to ensure disabled people have the support they need.” PIP and ADP would be paid at the following amounts per week under 3.8 per cent CPI uprating: Daily living Mobility DLA and Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance would be paid at the following amounts per week under 3.8 per cent CPI uprating: Daily living Mobility Attendance Allowance and PADP would be paid at the following amounts per week under 3.8 per cent CPI uprating: Daily living Chancellor Rachel Reeves will confirm the annual State Pension and benefits uprating on November 26.
