Latest news with #SocialSecurityScotland
Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
New PIP claims worth up to £187 every week could help people with these health issues
PIP and Adult Disability Payment are providing financial support for 3.7 million people across Great Britain. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - information The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now over 3.7 million people across Great Britain receiving additional financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Similarly, data published by Social Security Scotland this week indicates over 476,200 people are now receiving Adult Disability Payment (ADP), the devolved benefit which has replaced PIP north of the border. Over the 2025/26 financial year, PIP and ADP will provide weekly support of between £29.20 and £187.45, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Both disability benefits are designed to help with the additional costs of living with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition. Many people may be unaware that PIP and ADP can provide support for over 530 health conditions. Both benefits could help people with daily living tasks or moving around, or both. However, it would not be beneficial to list all 536 conditions recorded by DWP during the PIP application process as an award for the disability benefit is determined by how a person's health condition affects their ability to perform daily living tasks such as cooking, washing, eating, dressing and engaging with other people in a safe and timely way. There are also awards to help if you have difficulty moving around. This means that every claim for PIP or ADP is unique for each applicant, which could also help people thinking about making a new claim to start the process. Below is a full overview of PIP and ADP, including the five most-claimed conditions and the main disabling conditions, as classified by the DWP. PIP cannot be backdated, but payments start from the date the claim was submitted, to cover the handling time at the DWP. Total number of categories, recorded by DWP: Disability category - 21 Disability Sub Group - 178 Disability - 536 Five most-claimed PIP health conditions The five most commonly recorded disabling conditions for claims under normal rules are: Psychiatric disorder - 39% of claims Musculoskeletal disease (general) - 19% of claims Neurological disease - 13% of claims Musculoskeletal disease (regional) - 12% of claims Respiratory disease - 4% of claims PIP and ADP provide weekly support of between £29.20 and £187.45, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Both disability benefits are designed to help people with the additional costs of living with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition. Many people may be unaware that PIP and ADP can provide support for hundreds of health conditions. Both benefits could help people with daily living tasks or moving around, or both. However, it would not be beneficial to list all 536 conditions recorded by DWP during the PIP application process as an award for the disability benefit is determined by how a person's health condition affects their ability to perform daily living tasks such as cooking, washing, eating, dressing and engaging with other people in a safe and timely way. There are also awards to help if you have difficulty moving around. This means that every claim for PIP or ADP is unique for each applicant, which could also help people thinking about making a new claim to start the process. Below is a full overview of PIP and ADP, including the five most-claimed conditions and the main disabling conditions, as classified by the DWP. PIP cannot be backdated, but payments start from the date the claim was submitted, to cover the handling time at the DWP. Disabling conditions recorded by DWP These are the main disability categories, the umbrella term by which more than 530 other conditions fall under. This list is only an overview of conditions, disorders and diseases and how the DWP lists the main disabilities being claimed for. Haematological Disease Infectious disease Malignant disease Metabolic disease Psychiatric disorders Neurological disease Visual disease Hearing disorders Cardiovascular disease Gastrointestinal disease Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract Skin disease Musculoskeletal disease (general) Musculoskeletal disease (regional) Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) Genitourinary disease Endocrine disease Respiratory disease Multisystem and extremes of age Diseases of the immune system Unknown or missing Below is an overview of PIP and ADP. Even though new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, it shares most of the same eligibility criteria. Full guidance on ADP can be found on the website here. Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP? To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we have outlined above, if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP. preparing, cooking or eating food managing your medication washing, bathing or using the toilet dressing and undressing engaging and communicating with other people reading and understanding written information making decisions about money planning a journey or following a route moving around There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the website here. DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment How are PIP and ADP paid? PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. PIP and ADP payment rates 2025/26 You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP is made up of two components: Daily living Mobility Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Daily living Standard rate: £73.90 Enhanced rate: £110.40 Mobility Standard rate: £29.20 Enhanced rate: £77.05 How you are assessed You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware that the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here. Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant - find out more about the changes here. How do you make a claim for PIP? You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the website here. Before you call, you will need: your contact details your date of birth your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits your bank or building society account number and sort code your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number dates and addresses for any time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital How to apply for ADP People can apply for ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
Daily Record
20 hours ago
- General
- Daily Record
Exact date unpaid carers can report extra £293 payment missing if money does not arrive today
Thousands of Scots carers will receive the devolved payment by June 19. Around 90,000 unpaid carers will receive an additional payment of £293.50 this week through the Carer's Allowance Supplement. The devolved benefit is only available in Scotland and started landing in bank accounts on Wednesday with automatic payments continuing throughout Thursday. However, anyone who has received a letter from Social Security Scotland and was in claim for Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on April 14, but does not see the payment in their account by June 30, can report it missing on 0800 182 2222. It's important to be aware that the payment is issued by Social Security Scotland to claimants living in Scotland only and nobody needs to claim it - eligibility is automatic. December 2025 payment The next Carer's Allowance Supplement payment will be issued in December 2025. People will qualify for this payment if they were in receipt of Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on October 13, 2025. Similar to the summer payment, letters will be issued by Social Security Scotland before the money is due to land in bank accounts. If you, or someone you know, is providing at least 35 hours of unpaid care for a friend, family member or neighbour, and not claiming Carer Support Payment, you could be missing out on nearly £5,000 this year. Am I eligible for Carer Support Payment? Carer Support Payment is money you can get if you provide care for someone and meet certain eligibility criteria. You must: be 16 or over usually live in Scotland provide care for 35 hours or more a week, this includes if you provide care all day every day not earn more than £196 a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses The person you care for must already get one of these benefits: Adult Disability Payment – daily living component Child Disability Payment – middle or highest rate care component Pension Age Disability Payment Attendance Allowance Personal Independence Payment – daily living component Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance - middle or highest rate care component Disability Living Allowance – middle or highest rate care component Constant Attendance Allowance at or above normal maximum rate with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension Armed Forces Independence Payment The type of care you provide To get Carer Support Payment, you must provide care for someone as an unpaid carer for 35 hours or more a week. It cannot be care you provide: as a professional care worker through a volunteering scheme or charity Even if you do not think of yourself as an unpaid carer, you might be eligible for Carer Support Payment. Examples of caring for someone include supporting them: with their mental health during an illness with a disability if they have an addiction Supporting someone with their mental health If you provide care for someone with a mental health condition, you might: comfort them during a panic attack stay close by so they do not feel alone support them through a crisis make sure they're safe keep them company Supporting someone with an illness or disability If you provide care for someone with an illness or disability, you might support them with: getting around getting dressed taking medicines using the shower or toilet cooking meals food shopping translating The person you provide care for You might provide care for: someone in your family a friend a neighbour You do not have to live with them or be related to them. You can only apply for Carer Support Payment for one person. If you provide care for more people, you are not entitled to extra payments. You can check if you are eligible for Carer Support Payment and find full details on the devolved benefit on the website here.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Older people with eyesight issues could be due up to £441 extra every month
Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment can provide financial support for people who are severely short-sighted or have eye conditions. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? An estimated two million people across Great Britain are living with eyesight issues or a degenerative eye condition. Over 58,900 working age adults under 65 are receiving extra financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), while more than 50,000 people over State Pension age are getting regular payments through Attendance Allowance. It's important for people over 66 in Scotland to be aware they can no longer make a new claim for Attendance Allowance and must apply for a new devolved payment instead. Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) provides the same financial support as Attendance Allowance, but is administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland - full details here. Three out of four people with a visual impairment are aged over 65 with around 8,000 people of working age registered blind or partially sighted. For adults who lose their sight in later life, it can be very distressing as they feel they are no longer able to enjoy some of the activities they love to do, such as driving, taking part in sports, reading and cooking. Mobility can also be affected and with that may come independence and travel issues, although it's important to be aware that the dedicated disability benefit for people over State Pension age - Attendance Allowance - does not include a component for mobility needs. Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It currently provides extra financial support to over 1.6 million people across Great Britain, including 149,997 living in Scotland. Pension Age Disability Payment is now supporting 1,875 older people in Scotland. Both benefits are designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses and can also help them stay independent in their own home for longer. Older people claiming Attendance Allowance for sight loss conditions The latest DWP figures show that in August 2024 there were 50,993 people receiving either £73.90 or £110.40 each week for a 'Visual Disorder or Disease'. This overall figure includes claimants in: Scotland: 4,654 England: 42,934 Wales: 4,654 Living Abroad: 149 Total: 50,993 Common eye conditions affecting older people There are over 45 eye conditions affecting adults across the country, these include: Cataract Myopia (short-sightedness) Macular Degeneration - Wet and Dry (also referred to as age-related MD) Glaucoma Retinitis Pigmentosa Retina and optic nerve - other diseases of / type not known Diabetic Retinopathy (a condition that can cause vision loss in people with diabetes) If you, or someone you know, under State Pension age has a sight condition, you should consider making a new claim for PIP or ADP - find out more here. If you, or someone you know, is over State Pension age and living with a sight condition, even really high myopia (short sightedness), you should consider making a claim for Attendance Allowance. Sight loss conditions These are common health issues affecting eyesight that are being supported through disability benefits, but if your condition is not listed, it doesn't mean it's not supported. Diseases of conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus Conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus - Other diseases of / type not known Corneal ulceration Entropion Herpes zoster - ophthalmic Keratitis Keratoconus Orbital cellulitis Ptosis Scleritis Uveitis Anterior Uveitis (iritis) Chorioretinal disorders - Other / type not known Posterior (choroiditis) Glaucoma Visual injuries to the eye Vitreous disease Posterior vitreous detachment Vitreous disease - Other / type not known Vitreous haemorrhage Diseases of the retina and optic nerve Diabetic retinopathy Hypertensive retinopathy Macular degeneration Optic atrophy Optic neuritis Retina and optic nerve - Other diseases of / type not known Retinal artery occlusion Retinal detachment Retinal vein occlusion Retinitis Pigmentosa Retinopathy - Other / type not known Cataract Refractive errors Astigmatism Hypermetropia (long-sighted) Myopia (short-sighted) Presbyopia Refractive errors - Other / type not known Disorders of eye movement Eye movement - Other disorders of / type not known Nystagmus Strabismus (Squint) Visual field defects Amblyopia Cortical blindness Diplopia (double vision) Hemianopia Quadrantanopia Scotoma Tunnel vision Visual field defects - Other / type not known Below is an overview of the benefit and how to make a new claim to DWP. Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the website here. Full details about Pension Age Disability Payment can be found here. What is Attendance Allowance? Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself - it does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to claim. Who can make a claim? You should consider applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you do not currently get that help. This might include: Help with your personal care - for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet Help to stay safe You should also consider applying if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance is not just for people with a physical disability or illness. You should also consider claiming if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have: a mental health condition learning difficulties a sensory condition - if you are deaf or blind How much could I get on Attendance Allowance? You could get either £73.90 or £110.40 per week depending on the level of care you need because of your condition, which is paid every four weeks and works out at £296.60 and £441.60 respectively. You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer. This might include: paying for taxis helping towards bills paying for a cleaner or gardener Can I claim even if I have savings and other income? Yes. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so it doesn't matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either - there's no limit. It's tax-free and you'll be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won't have money taken away from any other benefits. Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension? No, it won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still working and earning money. How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits? The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include: Extra Pension Credit Housing Benefit Reduction Council Tax Reduction How do I make a claim? You will need to complete a long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from your nearest Citizens Advice, so don't let the form put you off applying. If you'd prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the website here. What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age? If you're thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming PIP straight away. If you claim PIP and get it, the amount you get will depend on your circumstances and how your disability or illness affects you. Find out more about claiming PIP on the website here. Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance? You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you have a Scottish postcode, you need to claim PADP from Social Security Scotland - full details here. You won't be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or DLA to pay for your care. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead. You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Around 2000 families in North Lanarkshire impacted by removal of two-child cap
The Scottish Government has confirmed it intends to mitigate the effect of the two child cap with a separate payment administered by Social Security Scotland. Around 2000 families in North Lanarkshire will be impacted by the two-child cap, as the Scottish Government confirmed the Labour policy will be effectively scrapped in Scotland from March next year. The two-child cap restricts support in universal credit to two children in a family. It was introduced under the Conservatives and the new Labour government has kept the cap in place, despite campaigning against it in opposition. The Child Poverty Action Group says scrapping the two-child limit is the most cost-effective way to start to reduce child poverty. It would lift 350,000 children out of poverty and mean 700,000 children are in less deep poverty UK wide. Though the policy is reserved to Westminster, the SNP have pledged to use its powers over social security in Scotland to mitigate the effect of the two child cap with a separate payment administered by Social Security Scotland. Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson said: 'The two-child cap is a huge driver of child poverty. People in my Motherwell and Wishaw constituency are directly harmed by the two-child cap. 'We have repeatedly called on successive UK Government's to scrap this cruel and damaging policy. Scottish families cannot afford to wait any longer. Around 26,000 households across Scotland are impacted by this policy while the Labour government shrugs its shoulders. 'John Swinney's government will lift 20,000 children out of poverty, making progress on the key mission of this Scottish Government: to eradicate child poverty.' At Holyrood this week. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said applications will open for mitigation of the welfare policy on March 2, with payments being made 'as soon as possible' afterwards - meaning it will likely take place just ahead of the Scottish Parliament election. However, the minister also told MSPs she is 'deeply disappointed' that Scotland's interim child poverty targets have not been met, saying there is no single reason for them being missed. Labour has cited fiscal constraints for keeping the cap, but in May the Prime Minister said he will be 'looking at all options' to tackle child poverty. Following an announcement on Tuesday morning, Ms Somerville addressed MSPs on the Government's 'tackling child poverty delivery plan'. She said it is 'deeply disappointing' that interim child poverty targets have not been met, but rates are nevertheless coming down, and she pledged to 'build on that progress' ahead of 2030 targets. Conservative MSP Liz Smith pressed the minister on how the mitigation policy will be funded, saying the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) has noted a 'widening gap' between the Scottish Government's welfare spending and its funding. In March, the Institute for Fiscal Studies warned the policy could harm incentives to work because some of the lowest-paid workers could earn more on welfare than in employment. However, the move has been welcomed by anti-poverty charities, who have urged the UK Government to scrap the cap, with the Child Poverty Action Group saying the move would lift 350,000 children across the UK out of poverty.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Pensioners claiming new health benefit could get payment decision in six days
Pension Age Disability Payment has replaced all new claims for Attendance Allowance in Scotland. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? New figures from Social Security Scotland show there were 1,875 people over 66 receiving Pension Age Disability Payments (PADP), the new devolved benefit that has now replaced all claims for Attendance Allowance north of the border. People of State Pension age with a disability, long-term illness or health condition could be eligible for the lower rate of £73.90 if they need help during the day or at night, or the higher rate of £110.40, if they need help during the day and at night, or if they are terminally ill. For anyone thinking about making a new claim, the latest data indicates the average processing time - from point of application to decision award letter - is currently six working days. For those applying with a terminal illness it is one working day. This means people submitting a new claim this week could receive a letter or an email before next weekend. However, it's important to be aware that complex cases may take longer and as awareness about the new benefit grows, that timeframe will undoubtedly increase. Insights from Social Security Scotland also shows the most common age of claimants is currently over 75. It also reveals that of the 2,575 applications processed - with a decision made by April 30 - 77 per cent were authorised, 11 per cent were denied and 11 per cent were withdrawn. Most successful applicants received the higher rate. Of all authorised applications, 79 per cent were awarded the higher level of 110.40 per week and 21 per cent were awarded the lower level of £73.90 over the period to 30 April 2025. Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance and PADP The conditions listed below are sourced from information recorded on the DWP's Attendance Allowance computer system. PADP also supports people with these conditions. It's important to note this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance or PADP, it is intended to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported. However, if you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should check out the official eligibility guidance for Attendance Allowance on the website here. Main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain Arthritis Spondylosis Back Pain Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints Trauma to Limbs Visual Disorders and Diseases Hearing Disorders Heart Disease Respiratory Disorders and Diseases Asthma Cystic Fibrosis Cerebrovascular Disease Peripheral vascular Disease Epilepsy Neurological Diseases Multiple Sclerosis Parkinsons Disease Motor Neurone Disease Chronic Pain Syndromes Diabetes Mellitus Metabolic Disease Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia Learning Difficulties Psychosis Psychoneurosis Personality Disorder Dementia Behavioural Disorder Alcohol and Drug Abuse Hyperkinetic Syndrome Renal Disorders Inflammatory Bowel Disease Bowel and Stomach Disease Blood Disorders Haemophilia Multi System Disorders Multiple Allergy Syndrome Skin Disease Malignant Disease Severely Mentally impaired Double Amputee Deaf/Blind Haemodialysis Frailty Total Parenteral Nutrition AIDS Infectious diseases: Viral disease - Coronavirus covid-19 The Scottish Government said PADP has been designed with the help of people who will be eligible for the benefit and those who support them. Improvements include a streamlined process for people to nominate a third party representative who can support them to communicate with Social Security Scotland. A fast-track process will be put in place for applicants diagnosed with a terminal illness. As already mentioned, this takes just one working day on average to process. Eligibility for Pension Age Disability Payment Guidance on provides full details on who can claim, how to claim, additional help available, what happens after a claim is submitted and extra support for successful claimants. Find out more here. You can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you have both: Reached State Pension age (66) Had care needs during the day or night for 6 months or more because of a disability or health condition You can still apply if: You have not had care needs for 6 months or more - your award will begin 6 months from when your care needs started if your application is successful You are waiting for, or do not have, a diagnosis You have a terminal illness - there is a separate fast-track application process if you're terminally ill It's important to be aware you cannot get Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time. Existing claimants will automatically move to Pension Age Disability Payment - Social Security Scotland will do this and you will not have to do anything. If you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you do not need to do anything. Your benefit will move to Social Security Scotland. Payment rates for Pension Age Disability Payment Social Security Scotland will provide Pension Age Disability Payment at the same weekly rate as Attendance Allowance. It is also currently doing this for the devolved Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment. The weekly payment rates for Attendance Allowance are: Lower rate - £73.90 Higher rate - £110.40 How do I apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment? You can only apply for the new disability assistance benefit if it has opened in your area. You can check on the dedicated pages on here. Anyone over State Pension age with a disability that means they need assistance with looking after themselves, or supervision to keep them safe, should continue to apply for Attendance Allowance through the DWP. Get support making a claim from an independent advocate Help is also available from the independent advocacy service VoiceAbility, which is funded by the Scottish Government, to help disabled people applying for devolved benefits. It provides a free, nationwide advocacy service supporting disabled people to access Social Security Scotland benefits. If you need an advocate, you should: contact Social Security Scotland for free on 0800 182 2222 ask them to refer you to the Independent Advocacy Service Full contact details can be found here.
