A new disability benefit for people who are pension age is now open for applications in 13 more local authority areas in Scotland ahead of a national rollout next month.
The Pension Age Disability Payment has been extended to Aberdeenshire, Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee City, Falkirk, Fife, Moray, Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles), Perth and Kinross and Stirling. It is also now available in all three Ayrshire local authority areas – East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire.
This payment is for disabled people or those with a long-term health condition, which means they need help looking after themselves or supervision to stay safe. It is available to people of State Pension age and is also available to pensioners who are terminally ill.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I urge anyone who thinks they could be eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment to apply. It is vital older people who are disabled, terminally ill people or who have care needs get the money they need to help them look after themselves, stay safe and live with dignity.
“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring everyone gets the financial support they’re entitled to, and this has not changed following the UK Government’s announcement on welfare.”
The payment first launched in five local authority areas on 21 October 2024 and will be available throughout Scotland from 22 April this year. It is not means-tested and is worth between £290 and £434 a month depending on the needs of the person who gets it (increasing to between £295 and £441 a month from 1 April 2025).
It will replace Attendance Allowance in Scotland, but people currently getting this do not need to take any action; the transfer will happen automatically in phases throughout 2025. Everyone will continue to receive their payments on time and in the right amount.
Henry Simmons, Alzheimer Scotland’s Chief Executive, added: “It’s great to see Pension Age Disability Payment being rolled out across more areas. At the Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centre, we know that living with dementia leads to extra costs so it’s important that those affected can access the financial support they need, when they need it.
“The application support that Social Security Scotland provide is vital for people who are already dealing with the emotional and practical challenges of living with dementia. The availability of this support will make a positive difference to people living with dementia, improving their ability to live well with their condition.”
Eligible people who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness are automatically entitled to the higher rate of care and can apply under special rules for terminal illness. This means that Social Security Scotland will prioritise their application. People who are already getting Pension Age Disability Payment who later receive a terminal illness diagnosis can also report this diagnosis under the special rules for terminal illness.
