Adam welcomes introduction of new disability benefit across north-east
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PEOPLE living in the north-east can now apply for Adult Disability Payment.
The new Scottish Government benefit replaces the UK Government’s Personal Independence Payment and provides financial support to people aged between 16 and state pension age, who are disabled, have a long-term health condition or have a terminal illness.
Those already receiving Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance do not need to make an application for Adult Disability Payment. These existing awards will transfer automatically from the DWP to Social Security Scotland. Cases will transfer in stages starting from this summer and this process is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Adult Disability Payment is being introduced in pilot areas ahead of opening nationwide on 29 August. It was successfully introduced in Perth, Dundee and the Western Isles in March and from July 25 was made available in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City, among other areas.
News of the rollout was welcomed by Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam said: “The SNP Scottish Government have taken an incredibly positive, responsible and compassionate approach to rolling out disability benefits.
"This is built on the foundations of our principles of dignity, fairness and respect.
“People across [the north-east] can now apply for Adult Disability Payment in the way that best suits them. As well as online and over the phone, local delivery staff can provide pre-application advice and encourage people to take up their entitlements. I encourage those who think they could be eligible to check and apply.
“We would urge people who think that they may need additional support in applying, as well as those with re determinations or appeals, to consider using VoiceAbility which is an independent advocacy service that the SNP Scottish Government are funding.
“This inclusive approach to the rollout of disability benefits has been designed with people with lived experience of disability benefits at its heart. The SNP and Scottish Government have taken an incredibly different approach to that of the UK government. As always, dignity and respect will be paramount and all applications will start from a position of trust, not suspicion.
"There will be no private sector assessors and all clients will be given greater choice to support them, with home visits available.”
A new definition of terminal illness has been introduced, removing the time requirement that a person must reasonably be expected to die within six months and instead using the clinical judgement of doctors and registered nurses involved in the individual’s care. We will make sure that people get the highest rate of payments as quickly as possible.
The advocacy service provided by VoiceAbility is entirely independent of the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland. This can be accessed by contacting VoiceAbility directly for free on 0300 303 1660 or by visiting voiceability.org
