Pension Age Disability Payment (Scotland)

Pension Age Disability Payment has two rates:

• Lower rate (£72.65/week, 2024–25): For people who need frequent attention throughout the day in connection with their bodily functions, or supervision throughout the day to avoid danger to themselves or others; OR who need prolonged or repeated attention during the night, or someone to be awake at night watching over them.
• Higher rate (£108.55/week, 2024–25): For people who satisfy the day criteria AND the night criteria — that is, they need significant help with care both during the day and at night.

Assessment for PADP focuses on your personal care needs — help with washing, dressing, eating, taking medication, moving around at home, and similar activities. The level of care you need from another person (not just from aids or adaptations) is the key question.

Unlike ADP (for working-age adults), PADP does not use a points-based descriptor system — it uses the same broad criteria as Attendance Allowance. The condition does not need to be physical — mental health conditions, dementia, and learning disabilities can all qualify.

To be eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment:

• You must be at or above State Pension age (currently 66 for men and women)
• You must live in Scotland
• You must have had care needs for at least 6 months before applying (or be terminally ill, in which case the waiting period is waived and the higher rate is awarded immediately)
• Your care needs must meet the qualifying criteria for the lower or higher rate

PADP is not affected by:

• Your income or savings
• Whether you live alone or with others
• Whether you already have a carer
• Whether you are receiving other benefits

People who developed a disability before reaching State Pension age and are receiving ADP (working-age disability benefit) will continue on ADP after pension age — they do not automatically switch to PADP. Those who develop a disability for the first time after State Pension age should claim PADP.

Apply for Pension Age Disability Payment through Social Security Scotland:

1. By phone: Call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 (Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm). Staff can take your application over the phone or send you a paper form.
2. Online: Apply at socialsecurity.gov.scot/claim/pension-age-disability-payment when the online service is available in your area.
3. By post: Request a paper form from Social Security Scotland and return it completed.

The application asks about your care needs in detail. Describe your needs on a typical bad day — the level of help you need on difficult days, not when you are managing well. Include all conditions you have, not just the most obvious one.

Social Security Scotland will use existing medical evidence and may contact your GP or other healthcare professionals with your permission. A consultation (face-to-face or by phone) may be arranged if they need more information, but Social Security Scotland aims to avoid unnecessary consultations.

If you were receiving Attendance Allowance before PADP was available in your area, Social Security Scotland will contact you about transferring — you do not need to re-apply from scratch.

Receiving PADP can unlock or enhance several other benefits:

• Carer Support Payment / Carer's Allowance: If a friend or family member spends at least 35 hours a week caring for you, they may be eligible for Carer Support Payment (Scotland) at £81.90 per week (2024–25). You do not need to ask for or agree to this — your carer claims in their own right.
• Pension Credit: Receiving PADP adds a severe disability addition to Pension Credit (if you live alone and no one is receiving Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment for you). This is worth £81.50 per week (2024–25).
• Council Tax Reduction: Your local council's Council Tax Reduction scheme may give additional consideration to PADP recipients. Contact your council to check.
• Housing Benefit: Receiving PADP may increase entitlement to Housing Benefit for those in rented accommodation.

Always use a benefits calculator or contact Citizens Advice to check what other benefits you may be entitled to when you start receiving PADP.