By Linda Howard

Copyright dailyrecord

To help people thinking about making a new claim for devolved disability benefits, Social Security Scotland has shared a list of essential need-to-knows, which could help make it easier to understand the process, be aware of what information they should supply and additional help to make an application. Social Security Scotland administers and delivers Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP) and Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), devolved benefits which can provide additional financial support to people with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition. These benefits have replaced all new claims for three disability benefits delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance for Children (DLA for Children) and Attendance Allowance. Adult Disability Payment is extra money to help you if you have a disability or long-term health condition that affects your everyday life. The benefit is made up of two parts – a daily living and mobility component – you might qualify for one or both parts. The amount you receive depends on how your condition affects your ability to do everyday activities and get around. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Daily living Mobility Child Disability Payment provides support for the extra costs that a disabled child might have. You can apply for Child Disability Payment for a child under 16 with a mental or physical disability. You can also apply for Child Disability Payment if the disabled child does not have a diagnosis. In such cases, you can tell Social Security Scotland about: Child Disability Payment is tax-free and made up of two components – care and mobility. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Care Mobility Pension Age Disability Payment can give you extra money if you have care needs because of a disability or long-term health condition and have reached State Pension age. Pension Age Disability Payment is tax-free and made up of two different rates. It’s important to be aware there is no mobility component. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Social Security Scotland offers people multiple ways to apply for its benefits. Applications can be made online, by post, by phone or in-person through advisors based in local communities across Scotland. A dedicated fast-track route is available to people who are terminally ill to make it easier and quicker for them to get the money they’re entitled to. Full details on how to contact Social Security Scotland can be found here. People qualify for Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment or Pension Age Disability Payment based on the impact of their condition on their daily needs. Social security Scotland said: “It’s vital that everyone applying for support explains in detail how their disability or condition affects their life.” The application can be completed in stages – there’s no need to do it all at once. Social security Scotland explained: “Many people find it difficult to focus on the things they or their child cannot do because of their disability or health condition. “However, it’s important people are open with us about the challenges they face. . Without a full picture of the issues someone is dealing with, Social Security Scotland may not be able to award them the money they are entitled to.” Social Security Scotland need supporting information from a professional, like a doctor, physiotherapist, or social worker, before they can make a decision on a disability benefit application. People often have supporting information they can share include with their application such as care plans, medical reports and prescription lists. Sharing this with Social Security Scotland can also help speed up the application process. Social Security Scotland said that it can collect supporting information on someone’s behalf if they do not have any. This can take a bit of time, but is a vital service for many people. Full details on supporting information to include can be found here. Free help to apply for benefits is available from many sources. Social Security Scotland can support people to apply over the phone on 0800 182 2222 or via webchat. In-person help is available from the organisation’s local advisors who are based in communities across Scotland. Get in touch with Social Security Scotland to request an appointment. Support is also available from an advocate from VoiceAbility. The independent advocacy charity is funded by the Scottish Government to support disabled people throughout the process of applying for benefits from Social Security Scotland. VoiceAbility can be contacted on 0800 182 2222 Organisations including Citizens Advice Scotland, Macmillan Cancer Support, Age Scotland and local authority welfare rights teams can also help. More information on additional support can be found here.