Adult Disability Payment (Scotland) vs PIP (England, Wales, NI)

Adult Disability Payment (ADP) replaced PIP for working-age disabled people in Scotland from August 2022. Although the two benefits currently pay identical rates and share the same component structure, the administering bodies, assessment processes, and some procedures differ. This table shows the key differences.

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FeatureAdult Disability Payment (Scotland)PIP (England / Wales / NI)
Administering bodySocial Security Scotland (a Scottish Government agency)Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Application routeApply online via mygov.scot or by calling Social Security Scotland (0800 182 2222)Apply by calling DWP (0800 917 2222) or online at GOV.UK
Assessment providerLocal Area Coordinators support applications; assessments carried out by Social Security Scotland staffIndependent Assessment Services (IAS) or Capita (contracted by DWP)
Daily-living standard rate (2026/27)£76.70 per week — mirrors PIP rates£76.70 per week
Daily-living enhanced rate (2026/27)£114.60 per week — mirrors PIP rates£114.60 per week
Mobility standard rate (2026/27)£30.30 per week — mirrors PIP rates£30.30 per week
Mobility enhanced rate (2026/27)£80.00 per week — mirrors PIP rates£80.00 per week
Face-to-face assessment policySocial Security Scotland aims to minimise face-to-face assessments; many decisions made on paper or by phoneFace-to-face, telephone, or paper-based assessment — DWP decides the format
Review frequencyPlanned reviews (dates set at award) plus change-of-circumstances reviewsFixed-period awards (typically 2–10 years) with planned and light-touch reviews
Appeal routeRedetermination first (Social Security Scotland internal review), then First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Social Security Chamber)Mandatory Reconsideration first (DWP internal review), then First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber)
Transfer rules when moving between nationsIf you move from Scotland to England/Wales/NI, Social Security Scotland notifies DWP; DWP will invite you to claim PIP — you do not lose benefit immediatelyIf you move from England/Wales/NI to Scotland, DWP notifies Social Security Scotland; ADP claim opened automatically without a new assessment in most cases
Terminally ill special rulesScotland applies the Special Rules for Terminal Illness (SRTI) — enhanced rate daily living paid immediately for people expected to die within 12 monthsSpecial Rules for Terminal Illness (SRTI) — enhanced rate daily living paid immediately; life expectancy prognosis raised from 6 months to 12 months in 2023

ADP rates have mirrored PIP rates since introduction. The Scottish Government has committed to replacing the rate-mirroring policy with a distinct Scottish rate structure in future, but no change has been legislated as of June 2026. Always check mygov.scot (ADP) or GOV.UK (PIP) for current rates.

Related guides

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit for people aged 16 to 64 who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that affects their ability to carry out daily activities or get around. It is not based on your diagnosis but on how your condition affects you day to day.

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Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)

Adult Disability Payment (ADP) is the Scottish Government's replacement for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for people of working age in Scotland. It is administered by Social Security Scotland rather than the DWP, and has some important procedural differences from PIP — most notably, there is no mandatory face-to-face assessment. ADP provides financial support to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions to help with the extra costs arising from their disability.

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PIP Reassessment: What to Expect

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is not a permanent entitlement — the DWP reviews awards periodically to check your needs have not changed. A reassessment can happen at any time, but most awards are reviewed on a fixed schedule. Knowing what to expect, what evidence to submit, and what to do if your award changes can help you protect the support you need.

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Benefit Appeals: Taking Your Case to Tribunal

If your Mandatory Reconsideration has not resolved your dispute with the DWP, you have the right to appeal to an independent tribunal. The Social Security and Child Support Tribunal is free to use and has much higher success rates than the MR process — around 60% of PIP appeals succeed at tribunal. Understanding the process gives you the best chance of a positive outcome.

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Disclaimer

The information on this page was correct at the time of writing. Amounts, thresholds, and rules may change. Always check the latest official guidance.