Two groups of people most-likely to get ‘indefinite’ award for new claim of Adult Disability Payment

New statistics from Social Security Scotland show that at the end of July, some 314,495 people were in receipt of Adult Disability Payment (ADP), the devolved benefit that has now replaced all new claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) north of the border. Of that total figure, 115,035 (37%) were new applicants and 199,460 (63%) had their PIP award transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The updated data also shows that the average time to process a new claim for ADP has risen from 49 working days in April to 61 working days in July.. The Scottish Government estimates that ADP will support 612,000 people by 2028/29, providing financial support of almost £4.5billion.

READ MORE: People on PIP with 10-year award due new ‘light-touch’ review letter from the DWP

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When a person is awarded ADP, Social Security Scotland will set a review date, this is to ensure the financial support meets the needs of the claimant. Awards can be issued for anywhere between 24 months and 10 years, however, some people may be given an ‘indefinite award’ with no review date.

Social Security Scotland reviews take place at a time when a person’s needs are likely to have changed, to ensure that their payment continues to be at the right level. It’s important to be aware that payments will continue while a review is taking place and they do not need to re-apply during the process.

Adult Disability Payment Indefinite Awards

You may be given an indefinite award with no review date for ADP if:

• Your needs are highly unlikely to change

• You are awarded the enhanced rate of both the daily living and mobility components of ADP

Guidance on mygov.scot states: “This means your award will not be reviewed in the future unless you tell us that something has changed.” The Scottish Government says that this meets the principles of ‘dignity, fairness and respect’.

PIP award review periods

PIP awards can vary in length. The shortest award is nine months while the longest is an ongoing award with a ‘light touch’ review at 10 years.

Most people will have their award regularly reviewed by the DWP, regardless of the length of the award, to ensure the level of financial support reflects their needs. This also usually means completing another health questionnaire and taking part in another assessment, or the person’s entitlement will end.

Some people will have a limited-term award for a fixed period of up to two years. The person must re-apply before the end of the two-year period, or their entitlement will end. Limited awards for a fixed period like this will be used if a DWP case manager thinks the person’s health condition is expected to improve.

Who might be eligible for ADP or PIP?

To be eligible for ADP or PIP, 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 GOV.UK website here for PIP and here for ADP.

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 ADP and PIP paid?

ADP and PIP 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.

ADP and PIP payment rates 2024/25

You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive for PIP and your rate will be regularly reviewed by the DWP to make sure you are getting the right support.

ADP and PIP are 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: £72.65

• Enhanced rate: £108.55

Mobility

• Standard rate: £28.70

• Enhanced rate: £75.75

How you are assessed

You will be assessed for PIP 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 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 consultations will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant and will be conducted by in-house Social Security Scotland staff - find out more about the changes here.

How to apply for PIP

You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK 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 ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.