Pension Age Disability Payment is replacing Attendance Allowance in Scotland. You do not need to do anything if you already get Attendance Allowance. You cannot get Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time.

Pension Age Disability Payment is a benefit for adults who have reached pension age, have a physical or mental disability and need help with personal care or supervision to remain safe.

You do not actually have to be getting any help, as long as you can show that you need it. You can get Pension Age Disability Payment if you live alone; you do not need to have a carer.

Pension Age Disability Payment isn't based on your national insurance contributions and isn't means tested, which means it doesn't matter how much income or savings you have.

Pension Age Disability Payment can give you extra money if you have both:

• care needs because of a disability or long-term health condition
• reached State Pension age
• You must not be subject to immigration control and have passed the residence and presence tests.

It’s paid at 2 different rates, lower and higher. The amount you get depends on your care needs.

• Lower rate is £73.90 a week. It’s for people who need help or supervision during the day or night.
• Higher rate is £110.40 a week. It’s for people who need help or supervision during the day and night.

If you’re terminally ill, you’ll automatically get the higher rate.

Pension Age Disability Payment is not means-tested. Your income and savings are not considered. They will not affect any award you might get.

You do not need to apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you live in Scotland and get Attendance Allowance. You cannot get Pension Age Disability payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time.

Social Security Scotland will:

• move you to Pension Age Disability Payment without you having to do anything in 2025
• send you a letter telling you what will happen when you transfer

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will continue to pay you Attendance Allowance until Social Security Scotland start to pay you. You do not need to contact DWP to have your benefit stopped.

If you already get Adult Disability Payment, you’ll stay on it when you reach State Pension age. You will not transfer to Pension Age Disability Payment.

There are usually 2 parts to the application for Pension Age Disability Payment. If you’re applying for someone who is terminally ill there is only 1 part. This is to make the process faster.

You can apply online:

How to apply for Pension Age Disability Payment - mygov.scot

By phone :

Social Security Scotland
0800 182 222