New claims for this benefit could get ‘indefinite’ award | Personal Finance | Finance
Recent figures from Social Security Scotland reveal that as of the end of January, a total of 433,055 individuals were recipients of Adult Disability Payments (ADP), the devolved benefit which has now superseded all new applications for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland.
The breakdown shows that 145,090 (34%) were fresh applicants while 287,960 (66%) had their award transitioned from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The data further indicates that the average processing time for a new ADP claim is currently 42 working days, slightly over eight weeks. This suggests that those lodging a new application in May could potentially receive an award decision by the close of July, although it’s crucial to note that some claims may require shorter or longer processing times.
The Scottish Government projects that by 2028/29, ADP will be assisting 612,000 individuals, with financial aid amounting to nearly £4.5 billion.
Upon being granted ADP, Social Security Scotland establishes a review date to ensure the financial assistance aligns with the claimant’s needs. Awards can range anywhere between 24 months and 10 years, though some individuals may receive an ‘indefinite award’ without a specified review date.
Reviews by Social Security Scotland are scheduled at a point when a person’s requirements are likely to have altered, to confirm that their payment remains appropriate. It’s vital to understand that payments will persist during the review period and there is no need for re-application throughout the process, reports the Daily Record.
People with disabilities receiving financial support could benefit significantly from the new Adult Disability Payment (ADP) system with indefinite awards, which ensures no stress of periodic reassessments. The guidelines on mygov.scot clarify: “This means your award will not be reviewed in the future unless you tell us that something has changed.”
The Scottish Government underscores their commitment to uphold ‘dignity, fairness and respect’ through this approach.
Contrastingly, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) spans a variable duration, with awards ranging from a minimum of nine months to the longest standing as ongoing with a minimal ‘light touch’ review after a decade.
Typically, most PIP beneficiaries undergo regular reviews by the DWP, ensuring their monetary assistance aligns with current needs. These reviews often entail another detailed health questionnaire and assessment process, without which entitlement may be ceased.
Some individuals might receive PIP for a predetermined two-year term. Failure to reapply before this term concludes results in cessation of benefits.
Such time-limited allocations are indicative of an anticipated improvement in the individual’s health by the DWP case manager’s judgment.
Eligibility for either ADP or PIP rests upon having experienced daily living or mobility issues, or both, for a consecutive three months, with the expectation that these challenges persist for a minimum of nine months.
To be eligible, you typically need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be present 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
For those who are terminally ill, different rules apply, which can be found on the GOV.UK website for both PIP and 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
So, how are ADP and PIP paid?
Typically, ADP and PIP are disbursed every four weeks, unless you’re terminally ill, in which case payments are made weekly. Payments are directly deposited into your bank, building society, or credit union account.
ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
What are the payment rates for ADP and PIP?
An assessment is required to determine the level of financial aid you’ll receive for PIP, and your rate will be regularly reviewed by the DWP to ensure you’re receiving the appropriate support.
ADP and PIP consist of two components: Daily living and Mobility. Whether you receive one or both of these, and the amount, depends on the severity of your condition’s impact.
The weekly payment amounts based on your circumstances are as follows:
Daily living: Standard rate – £73.90, Enhanced rate – £110.40.
Mobility: Standard rate – £29.20, Enhanced rate – £77.05.
How are you assessed?
For PIP, an independent healthcare professional will assess you to help the DWP determine the level of financial support you may require. Health-related benefits consultations can be conducted face-to-face, via video calls, telephone or paper-based assessments.
It’s crucial to note that the health professional and DWP decide which type of assessment is most appropriate for each claimant. More information about DWP PIP assessments can be found here.
Unlike PIP, Adult Disability Payment consultations will not involve face-to-face assessments unless preferred by the claimant and will be carried out by in-house Social Security Scotland staff. More details about these changes can be found here.
To apply for PIP, you can make a new claim by contacting the DWP. All the necessary information for application can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you call, ensure you have your contact details, date of birth, National Insurance number, bank or building society account number and sort code, your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number, and dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital.
For ADP applications, individuals can apply over the phone, by post or in-person. To learn more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
