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Social Security Scotland is urging people making a new claim for Child Disability Payment, Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Pension Age Disability Payment or Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance to include just one piece of supporting information from a professional to help decision makers reach an award outcome faster. The latest figures from Social Security Scotland show there are now 484,055 people in receipt of ADP. The data also shows that the average time to process a new claim for ADP is now 46 working days, just over nine weeks. This means people starting a new claim before the end of October could have an award decision before Christmas, although it's important to be aware that some applications can take shorter or longer to process. Social Security Scotland said: “Supporting information can come from a range of professionals including support workers, teachers and physiotherapists and can include social care assessments, prescription lists or children’s additional needs reports. “Our goal is to make the right decision first so people get the financial support that they are entitled to.” Scotland’s benefit agency added: “People should provide supporting information with their application if they can. This is normally the fastest way to get a decision. However, we can also collect supporting information on behalf of the person applying if they ask us to, though this means the process can take longer.” In addition to the one piece of supporting information from a professional, people can also provide supporting information from their wider support network, such as a family member, partner, or friend. While this is not essential, it can help us understand a client's needs. Many people thinking about making a new claim may not be aware that there are two parts to the ADP application process and that if you complete part two (the condition questionnaire) within eight weeks of the date you submitted part one (personal details, GP details, etc) and your claim is successful, payments will be backdated to that date. It’s important to be aware that ADP is paid four weeks in arrears and that failing to submit the claim within the eight-week period may result in a different date of entitlement. Guidance from Social Security Scotland explains: “An individual can begin an application either by phone or online. This is Part 1 of the application process. “Once they have started, the individual has 8 weeks to return the completed Part 2 of the application in order to ensure their entitlement to Adult Disability Payment begins on the date they completed Part 1. “If an application is submitted after the 8 week period, the date of their entitlement may be later, depending on whether they have good reason for having submitted it late e.g. they have been in hospital.” A successful new claim for the devolved payment is worth the same amount as its DWP counterpart, Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This means people over the age of 16 with a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition could receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week - paid every four weeks. Daily Living Component Mobility Component Examples of supporting information include: Part two of the ADP application form asks about: Official guidance on mygov.scot explains other information which could help support your answers in part two includes: More help about completing an application for Adult Disability Payment can be found on the Disability Rights UK website - a guide covering the whole application process can be downloaded for free here . For help submitting supporting documents online you can contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222. There is also an upload page on mygov.scot here with all the details and document formats you need to know. The Scottish Government also announced earlier this year that third sector organisations are to be paid a fee for helping provide supporting information for people applying for Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment. The £33.50 fee will be paid when they are asked by Social Security Scotland to complete a supporting information request form. People who are applying for disability benefits who find it difficult or face barriers gathering supporting information themselves will be able to name organisations to provide this for them. These can include third sector organisations that are helping them in their day-to-day lives, such as those offering social care or support during an illness. Collecting supporting information on behalf of people is one of the key differences in how people are encouraged and supported to apply for Scottish Government disability benefits. Supporting information request forms are completed to help understand how a person’s health condition or disability affects their lives and what support they need. As well as information from health and social care professions, information could also come from charities and third sector organisations who support disabled people. To get help completing an application form, you may also be able to use a free advocacy service - find out more here.
