People making a new claim for Adult Disability Payment could also be due extra benefits
New claims for the devolved disability benefit are currently taking an average of 42 working days to process.
The latest figures from Social Security Scotland show that there are currently 476,295 people in receipt of Adult Disability Payment (ADP). The data also shows that the average time to process a new claim for ADP is now 37 working days, just under eight weeks.
This means people making a new claim before the end of this month could have an award decision before the end of September, although it's important to be aware that some applications can take shorter or longer to process.
However, many new ADP claimants may not be aware a successful award can also open the door to additional benefit top-ups, help with housing costs, Council Tax and travel - the extra support is also available for people on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), those on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Child Disability Payment.
A full guide to all the extra support and financial benefits is available on mygov.scot here. Below is a summary of what your disability benefit claim could also entitle you to - you can also contact your local council and ask if they can check entitlement for you.
Extra support for disability benefit claimants
Guidance on MYGOV.SCOT explains: "You might be able to get extra support if you get Adult Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland."
These are called related benefits. These can help:
- with living costs
- with travel and transport
- if you are on a low income
It’s important to be aware you need to make a claim for the additional support, it isn’t applied automatically with a disability benefit award.
Guidance on mygov.scot states: “You, or someone responsible for you, can apply for them. The rates of your disability payment will have an effect on what you can apply for."
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Help if you are on a low income
You could get extra help if you or someone who lives with you gets either:
- Child Disability Payment
- Adult Disability Payment
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Scottish Adult Disability Payment (Scottish Adult DLA)
The guidance urges people to "try to apply as soon as you can" and continues "organisations may not be able to backdate payments if you wait too long. You could miss out on some of the extra support you’re entitled to".
However, it also warns: "Some benefits and services can affect other payments you may get. To find out what’s best for you and your household, ask local support services for help with benefits."
Employment support
You might be able to get a higher payment (or a premium) from the DWP if you get a devolved disability payment and claim any of these benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Housing Benefit
Guidance states: “You should contact the DWP to tell them about your disability benefit. If you’re eligible, you’ll get an extra amount on top of your normal payment, known as a disability premium.
“You’ll continue to get your usual disability payment from Social Security Scotland.”
Just be aware contacting DWP may trigger a change in circumstances for any current benefits you are receiving, so ask an advisor first.
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Support for carers
Carer Support Payment
If you get any of these benefits, your carer can apply for Carer Support Payment:
- Adult Disability Payment - standard or enhanced daily living rate
- Child Disability Payment - middle or highest care rate
- Pension Age Disability Payment - any rate
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance - middle or highest care rate
Carer Support Payment has replaced Carer's Allowance in Scotland - find out more here.
If you are not eligible for Carer Support Payment, you may be able to apply for Carer’s Credit - find out more here.
If your carer gets Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance, it can affect other benefits that you get. For more information before applying, speak to a Social Security Scotland adviser - contact details here.
Young carers
If your carer is aged 16, 17 or 18, they might be able to apply for Young Carer Grant - find out more here.
Help with housing costs
You could get a higher rate of payment from your local council if you already get Housing Benefit. This is an extra amount on top of your normal Housing Benefit payment, known as a disability premium.
You may also be able to apply for a Council Tax Reduction - this includes discounts of up to 100% on your Council Tax Bill and may be available even if your bill is already reduced.
Social Security Scotland advises you should contact your local council to tell them about your disability payment and ask about help with housing costs.
Financial help for Scots
Help with transport and travel
You could get help with transport and travel costs if you get one of the following:
- Adult Disability Payment
- Child Disability Payment
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (Scottish Adult DLA)
Car travel
If you get either:
- Child Disability Payment - higher rate mobility component
- Adult Disability Payment - enhanced rate mobility component
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (higher rate mobility)
You could apply for:
- an accessible vehicle or equipment lease
- vehicle tax exemption (free road tax)
- a provisional driving licence early at age of 16
You, or your nominated driver, can apply for a 50 per cent vehicle tax reduction if you get the standard rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment.
Bus travel
You can apply for a disabled person’s bus pass which allows you to travel by bus for free within Scotland.
If you get Child Disability Payment, you must have either the:
- higher rate mobility component
- middle or highest rate care component
You can apply if you get any rate of Adult Disability Payment.
A companion can also travel with you for free on the bus if you get either:
- Child Disability Payment - middle or highest rate care component
- Adult Disability Payment - standard or enhanced rate daily living component
Blue Badge updates
Blue Badge
You or your nominated driver can apply for a Blue Badge parking permit which costs £20 and is valid for three years in Scotland.
If you get Child Disability Payment, you must have the higher rate mobility component.
If you get Adult Disability Payment, you must have either:
- 8 points or more in the moving around activity
- 12 points in the planning and following a journey activity
- enhanced rate mobility awarded under special rules for terminal illness
You may still be able to apply if you do not have any of the above but you do have a medical condition that affects your mobility.
Full details about Adult Disability Payment or Child Disability Payment can be found on the nygov.scot website, here.