New Pension Age Disability Benefit

A new disability benefit for people of State Pension age has opened for applications from people living in five local authority areas. 

Pension Age Disability Payment is the 15th benefit Social Security Scotland is delivering in Scotland.  It is for people of State Pension age and over who are disabled or have a long-term health, condition that means they need help looking after themselves or supervision to stay safe or have a terminal illness.  
People who live in Argyll & Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City, Orkney and Shetland can now apply. The payment will be available across all of Scotland by 22 April next year. The payment is not means-tested and is worth between £290 and £434 a month depending on the needs of the person who gets it.  Pension Age Disability Payment is replacing Attendance Allowance in Scotland, which is delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).  

People who already get Attendance Allowance do not need to apply separately as their award will automatically be moved to Social Security Scotland, starting early 2025. There is a separate fast-track application process for people who are terminally ill and eligible people will be entitled to the higher rate of payment regardless of how long they have had a terminal illness. 

People can apply via a paper application form, online at mygov.scot/pensiondisability or by calling Social Security Scotland for free on 0800 182 2222.  People can get in person support to apply from Social Security Scotland’s community based advisors. Call to make an appointment.