Like-for-like Devolved Benefit for Seamless Transition
Plans have been unveiled for a Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance – a new benefit to provide continued support to around 66,000 adults with a disability or long-term health condition.
Under new proposals, eligible people who receive Disability Living Allowance through the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions would have their award transferred automatically to the new Scottish benefit. They would then have the opportunity to apply for Adult Disability Payment if they choose.
Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance will be a ‘closed’ benefit, available only to those whose awards are transferred onto it and not open to new applicants – who should instead apply for Adult Disability Payment. Meanwhile, people in Scotland currently receiving Personal Independence Payments will continue to have their awards moved onto Adult Disability Payment.
Legislation to create the devolved DLA benefit will be laid in the Scottish Parliament this year.
It will be introduced on a ‘like-for-like’ basis, with clients’ benefit components, rates and review periods being upheld by Social Security Scotland. This will ensure the transfer will be straightforward for those affected.
Subject to legislative approval, Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance is expected to launch in early 2025.
I welcome the announcement that those currently receiving DLA via the UK Government will continue on a like-for-like devolved benefit.
GRAEME
I hope this provides some reassurance to those affected while other disabled adults move onto Scotland’s new Adult Disability Payment.
The devolved social security system in Scotland is well and truly established at this point, delivering a service aimed to correct for the flaws in the DWP’s approach to date.
It is a system based on dignity, fairness and respect – and that is what the Scottish Government is determined to continue providing through Social Security Scotland.
I’m pleased that we can progress plans to bring forward legislation to create a Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance and give people the opportunity to remain on this benefit for as long as they are eligible.
SOCIAL JUSTICE SECRETARY, SHIRLEY-ANNE SOMERVILLE
Once transferred, people can continue to be paid Scottish Adult Disability Allowance or apply for our flagship Adult Disability Payment if they prefer.
Around 137,000 people are now receiving our Adult Disability Payment and it has provided almost £462 million to disabled people since it was launched in 2022.
