On this page you will find information about:
- Eligibility criteria.
- How to make a claim.
- Challenging an Adult Disability Payment decision.
If you are living with a physical or mental health condition or disability, you may be entitled to financial support.
According to research carried out by charity Scope, people living with a disability on average need an additional £1,010 a month to have the same standard of living as non-disabled households.
ADP is available to those living in Scotland or with a sufficient link to Scotland. If you are living in England, Northern Ireland, Wales, some overseas territories and/or are part of the currently serving community, you can apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead.
Learn more about Personal Independence Payment on the RBL Knowledge Base website.
You may meet the criteria for other benefits in addition to PIP and ADP. The tool below can help you find out what you may or may not be eligible for.
As a member of HM Armed Forces, or a family member of, you may be entitled to some in-service benefits. You can find out more about what you are eligible for on the Discover My Benefits website.
Find out more about the benefits of working in HM Armed Forces on the Discover My Benefits website.
Adult Disability payment
Adult Disability Payment (ADP) is a benefit for working-age adults who are living with a disability or long-term health condition. The benefit replaced Personal Independence Payment in Scotland.
Find out more about Adult Disability Payments on mygov.scot.
The benefit is made up of two parts which are known as daily living and mobility. You may qualify for one or both parts. The amount of support that you could receive is dependent on how your condition affects you, rather than what your condition is.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQs below cover questions about:
Eligibility
What are the eligibility criteria to receive ADP?
You may be eligible for Adult Disability Payment if you are living with a:
- disability
- long-term physical condition
- long-term mental health condition, or
- terminal illness.
Additionally, you must be between 16 years old and state pension age, unless you have previously received a similar benefit.
Find out more about what is counted as state pension age on the Which website.
You cannot receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Adult Disability Payment at the same time.
What is counted as a long-term condition or disability?
A long-term condition or disability is one which has lasted 13 weeks or more and is expected to last a further 39 weeks or more.
You do not need a formal diagnosis to receive ADP.
Your location
To be eligible for ADP you will need to be a resident of Scotland or:
- live in the European Economic Area (which includes EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), Switzerland or Gibraltar, and
- have a genuine and sufficient link to Scotland.
Learn more about habitual eligibility rules on the Citizens Advice Scotland website.
Check if you are eligible for ADP
You can use this helpful online tool to find out quickly if you meet the requirements to qualify for ADP before you start an application.
The online tool will ask you questions about:
- where you live
- any restrictions on your right to live in the UK
- if you're on other benefits, and
- your age.
The tool will not ask about your disability of health condition.
Can I make a claim for ADP if I am overseas?
Yes, you may be able to make a claim for ADP if you both:
- live in the EEA, Switzerland or Gibraltar, and
- have a genuine and sufficient link to Scotland.
A genuine and sufficient link is where you do not live in Scotland, but have a link to Scotland. For example, you have spent a significant part of your life in Scotland.
Social Security Scotland will also need to make sure that the UK is the correct state to pay the daily living component of your Adult Disability Payment.
Find out more about eligibility criteria for ADP on mygov.scot.
I am over state pension age, can I make a claim for ADP?
If you are over state pension age you can still apply for ADP if you:
- have previously received Adult Disability Payment, Personal Independence Payment, or Disability Living Allowance. The payments need to have stopped within the past year, and
- have the same health condition or disability that you had when you got the benefit before - or a new condition caused by your earlier condition.
You will only be able to receive the same or equivalent part of ADP that you received before.
If you have never claimed before and are over state pension age, you can make a claim for Attendance Allowance.
Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the Citizens Advice Scotland Website.
If you are already receiving ADP and approaching state pension age you will continue to receive it.
Will receiving benefits or other income affect my ability to claim ADP?
Yes, it can. You cannot receive Adult Disability Payment at the same time as:
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Child Disability Payment
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
How long will it take to receive a decision about an ADP claim?
The decision about your application will be sent to you by post, this is called a determination.
You should receive a decision within four months, but it can take up to six months.
If you are terminally ill, Social Security Scotland will try to make a decision as quickly as possible. You should receive a decision in around seven working days.
How long will I receive ADP for?
You will continue to receive ADP as long as you still meet the conditions for it. Your letter from Social Security Scotland will give a review date. Your review will ensure that you are still receiving the right amount of ADP.
If you have a change in circumstance, you will need to inform Social Security Scotland as soon as possible.
Read more about ADP reviews on the mygov.scot website.
Some people will receive an indefinite award if their needs are very unlikely to change and they are awarded the enhanced rate of both parts of ADP. If you receive an indefinite award, it will not be reviewed in future unless you tell Social Security Scotland that something has changed.
I already receive Child Disability Payment and am about to turn 16, do I need to reapply for ADP?
Yes, you will need to reapply. Moving from Child Disability Payment to Adult Disability Payment does not happen automatically.
You can apply for ADP at any time up until your 18th birthday to ensure that you do not have a break in payments if you are eligible.
If you are terminally ill, you do not need to reapply for ADP. It is recommended that you contact Social Security Scotland for advice.
Get in touch
Visit the Social Security Scotland website to contact them via webchat, or:
- Telephone: 0800 192 2222
- Telephone overseas (including Republic of Ireland): +44(0) 1382 931 000
Please note that this number will apply charges but you can ask the team to call you back.
The team is available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays.
If you are a British Sign Language user you can use the Contact Scotland BSL service.
Get in touch with Social Security Scotland through Contact Scotland BSL.
What makes someone eligible for the 'Daily Living' part of ADP?
You may be eligible to receive the Daily Living part of ADP if your ability to carry out daily tasks is limited by a physical or mental health condition or disability.
Examples of day-to-day tasks are:
- preparing food
- taking nutrition (eating and drinking)
- managing therapy or monitoring a health condition
- washing and bathing
- managing toilet needs or incontinence
- dressing and undressing
- communicating verbally
- reading and understanding signs, symbols and words
- engaging socially with other people face to face, and
- making budgeting decisions.
The rate that you could receive will depend on how much your ability to carry out daily tasks if affected by the condition or disability you are living with.
What makes someone eligible for the 'Mobility' part of ADP?
The rate that you could receive for the mobility part of ADP depends on how your mobility is affected by the physical or mental health condition or disability that you are living with.
You may be eligible to receive the mobility part of ADP if you need help with:
- planning a journey
- following a journey, or
- moving around.
If you receive the enhanced rate of the mobility part of ADP you can be eligible for an accessible car or other vehicle. This is through the Accessible Vehicle and Equipment (AVE) scheme.
Payments
Will the amount of ADP that I could receive be affected by my income or savings?
No, your income and savings are not taken into account. You can work whilst receiving ADP.
Additionally, ADP does not reduce your work-related benefits or tax credits.
How much could I receive from ADP?
Adult Disability Payment is made up for two parts, the Daily living and Mobility part. You can receive one or both parts of ADP. What you will receive depends on your daily living and mobility needs.
| Lower weekly rate | Higher weekly rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Daily living part | £72.65 | £108.555 |
| Mobility part | £28.70 | £75.75 |
Find out more about the amount you could be eligible for on mygov.scot.
Will I need to pay tax on my ADP payments?
No, you do not pay tax on Adult Disability Payment.
If my application is successful, when will I start receiving ADP payments?
If your application is successful, the earliest date that you will receive payments from is:
- If you applied online it will be when you submitted the first part of your application.
- If you applied by phone and paper form it will be when you first phone Social Security Scotland to start the application process.
How often will I receive ADP payments?
Adult Disability Payments are usually paid every four weeks for the previous four-week period.
The payment will be made to the account that you gave on your application.
Those who are terminally ill receive ADP as a weekly payment in advance.
How will I get my ADP payments?
You can receive ADP if you do not have a bank, building society or credit union account.
If your application for ADP is successful you will need to contact Social Security Scotland to arrange and agree on how you would like them to pay you.
My circumstances have changed, do I need to let Social Security Scotland know?
If your circumstances change you need to report it to Social Security Scotland. They need to know about changes in your circumstances so that they can ensure that you are paid the right amount and contact you if needed.
Examples of circumstances that you must report are:
- if your condition gets better or worse
- the level of support that you need has changed, or
- you move away from Scotland.
If you receive more than one benefit from Social Security Scotland, you will only need to report the changes once.
If you have a terminal illness Social Security Scotland have specialist advisors who can help take you through the process of reporting a change in circumstances.
Get in touch
Contact Social Security Scotland and inform them of a change in your circumstances via:
- Telephone: 0800 182 2222
- Telephone overseas (including Republic of Ireland): +44 (0)138 293 1000
Use the Contact Scotland Service if you are a British Sign Language (BSL) user.
You can also report a change online or by downloading a form and returning it by post.
You can also call Social Security Scotland to request a paper version of the form to be sent by post. You may ask the team for help to complete the form.
Will I need to provide Social Security Scotland with receipts when I spend the money?
No, you can choose what you spend the money on. Social Security Scotland will not ask for receipts.
Making a claim
What information will I need to make a claim?
The application process is made up of two parts.
Part one
To complete the first part of your application it would be helpful to have:
- your personal details, such as date of birth and main address
- your National Insurance number - you can find this on your National Insurance card, a social security letter, payslip, P60 or P45, and
- your bank, building society or credit union account details.
If you live in a country within the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland or Gibraltar, you will be asked about residency details.
If you have been outside the Common Travel Area within the past year you will need to tell Social Security Scotland about when and why you were away.
Find out more about what is considered the Common Travel Area on the GOV.UK website.
Part two
The second part of the application can take while to complete but you do not have to do it all at once. You only need to give detailed answers to the questions that are relevant to you.
Part two of the process will ask you about your condition and how it affects you. Be prepared to answer questions about:
- your condition and how it affects your ability to look after yourself, understand information, and communicate with other people
- what help and support you need and why
- how you move around outdoors, and
- any medication, treatment, or equipment you need.
To complete part two of your application it would be helpful to have:
- information about your condition or your symptoms, if you're still waiting for a diagnosis
- information about any medical tests you have had, and the results if you have them
- contact details for your GP, and
- contact details for anyone else who could give more information about your condition, such as a family member or someone who looks after you.
How do I make a claim for ADP?
You can apply for ADP online or using a paper application and returning it by post.
There are two parts to the ADP application process unless the individual has a terminal illness, in which case there is only one part.
Find out more about applying under special rules for terminal illness on the mygov.scot website.
Making a claim online
When making a claim online you have 14 days to submit part one within and 56 days to submit part two, but you can ask for more time if you need it. Additionally, you can save your application and come back to it later if you need to.
You will need to register with a username and password if you have not already.
Making a claim by phone and paper application
If you decide to make a claim by phone and paper, you will need to complete part one of the application when you call Social Security Scotland and start your application.
The team will then send you a paper application form and return envelope for part two.
If you are applying for someone who is terminally ill, you can complete the whole application over the phone.
Get in touch
Contact Social Security Scotland to begin your application:
Telephone: 0800 182 2222
The team is available from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
If you are a British Sign Language user, please contact Social Security Scotland using the Contact Scotland Service.
Get in touch via Contact Scotland.
Do I have to apply for Adult Disability Payment online?
No, in addition to being able to apply online, you can also apply via telephone and post.
To begin a postal application, you will need to phone Social Security Scotland. You will complete part one of the application over the phone. Social Security Scotland will then send you a paper application to complete part two and return via post.
You will need to return the form within eight weeks.
British Sign Language (BSL) users
If you are a BSL user you can get in touch with Social Security Scotland using the Contact Scotland BSL service to begin your application.
What questions will I be asked during my application for ADP?
A list of sample questions has been made available online to support your application.
Please note that these questions are for reference only and should not be used to make an application.
What supporting information should I provide with my application?
Supporting information is used to help the assessors gain a better understanding of your situation and make a decision about your application.
The supporting information that you include with your application should:
- confirm your condition and/or disability, and the needs that living with these give you, and
- describe the impact that your condition and/or disability has on your life.
Your supporting information should be a document from a professional that confirms your condition and/or disability, and the needs that living with these give you. The document can be:
- formal medication or prescription list that shows the medication you take
- reports, records or summaries, for example, occupational therapy reports or physiotherapy reports
- social work reports or social work assessments
- care plans or care assessments
- treatment plans
- test results or certificates
- letters from hospitals like discharge letters
- letters about appointments
- letters or documents that show your local authority have made changes to your home, like adding a mobility aid, stair lift, ramp or accessible shower
- reports from specialist organisations who carry out assessments (for example, driving mobility assessments, adjustments to a car)
- additional Support Needs plan or report
- young person's care plan from local authorities or schools
- letter from a charity or community organisation, and/or
- the Supporting Information form, completed by a professional (this form may be sent to you after you have submitted the application).
This does not need to include a diagnosis.
Learn more about who you can receive supporting information from on the mygov.scot website.
You can include information to help the assessor understand how your condition/disability that you live with impacts your daily life. This can be:
- a letter or phone call to Social Security Scotland from someone in your wider support network who knows you well, or
- information from a professional that describes your needs.
How do I provide supporting information with my ADP application?
You can provide your supporting information with your initial application, within 28 days of submitting your part two application, or you can ask Social Security Scotland to obtain supporting information for you.
Please note that asking Social Security Scotland to get supporting information for you may mean that your application takes longer to process.
How to send your supporting information
Your supporting information can be uploaded online or sent via post to support your application.
If you are applying online, you can upload documents with your application.
You do not need to send all your supporting documents at once or with your initial application. You can upload/post what you have and then send the rest later. However, this needs to be done within 28 days of submitting your application.
Find out more about sending supporting information on mygov.scot.
Sending documents online
You can upload a scan or picture of your supporting document. Uploading your documents online is the fastest way to send them.
Sending documents via post
Social Security Scotland recommends only sending photocopies of documents to support your application, not the originals.
If you need a prepaid envelope to send your supporting documents in you can obtain one from Social Security Scotland.
When sending your supporting documents please include the following information to avoid any delays:
- your full name
- your date of birth
- your National Insurance number
- 'Adult Disability Payment'
Post your supporting documents to:
Adult Disability Payment,
PO Box 27178,
Glasgow,
G4 7ED.
How long do I have to apply for ADP?
Once you have completed part one of your ADP application you must complete part two within 56 days (eight weeks)
If you need it, you can ask Social Security Scotland for more time to complete part two. You do not need to give a reason.
Get in touch with Social Security Scotland to ask for more time via the mygov.scot website.
If you are applying online you can save your application and come back to it when you are ready to within the eight week period.
Can someone help me with my ADP application?
If you are unable to apply yourself, you can ask someone to apply on your behalf.
This person can be:
- a family member
- a friend
- a carer, support worker or someone else who helps you, or
- an appointee who is acting on your behalf.
Additionally, Social Security Scotland can help you to apply for ADP. You can:
- get extra support from an independent advocate, and/or
- use the free Local Delivery Service to get person-to-person support with your application.
Can I apply in a language that is not English?
Yes, you can apply for ADP in another language if you make your application over the phone.
You can apply in over 100 different languages. Social Security Scotland will provide an interpreter to help you, and the service is completely free.
Online and paper application forms are only in English.
How do I make a claim if I have a terminal illness?
If you have a terminal illness there is a faster application process.
Find out more about applying under special rules for terminal illness on mygov.scot.
What will happen during a consultation and why have I been contacted by Social Security Scotland for one?
After you have applied for ADP, Social Security Scotland may contact you for a consultation if they need more information to make a decision.
You will only be asked to take part in a consultation if Social Security Scotland cannot make a decision based on your application and supporting documents and this is the only way to get the extra information they need.
What will happen during the consultation?
Consultations are held with a health and social care practitioner from Social Security Scotland. The individual will write a report based on what is discussed during the consultation which will be sent to your case manager.
The consultation:
- Will not be a diagnosis or medical examination of the condition and/or disability that you are living with.
- Will only cover areas of your application that Social Security Scotland need to know more information about.
- Is an opportunity for you to tell Social Security Scotland how the condition and/or disability that you are living with affects your life.
The consultation can be held:
- by phone
- by video call
- at a local public venue, or
- in your own home.
Learn more about consultations on mygov.scot.
Can my consultation be recorded?
Unless you ask them not to, the practitioner will record your consultation. This is to ensure that your practitioner can:
- make a note of everything you tell them,
- focus on listening to you rather than typing, and
- get accurate information about you and the condition and/or disability that you are living with.
Additionally, having your consultation recorded will mean that it will be shorter.
Find out more about consultation recording on mygov.scot.
How to opt out of an audio recording
It is recommended that you have your consultation recorded but you can opt out of this service if you choose.
If you choose to opt out please be aware that:
- this will make your consultation longer
- your consultation may feel more formal because your practitioner will be typing throughout to ensure they record all of the relevant information, and
- if you disagree with anything in the report a recording of the consultation will not be available to help you challenge this.
If you wish to opt out of an audio recording, you should inform Social Security Scotland before your consultation.
Get in touch
To opt out of a consultation recording please contact Social Security Scotland via:
- Telephone: 0800 182 2222
My circumstances have changed since I applied for ADP but I have not received a decision yet, what should I do?
If your circumstances change whilst you are waiting for a decision on your application you will need to tell Social Security Scotland.
Examples of circumstances where you need to contact Social Security Scotland are:
- any changes that affect your condition or your needs
- you move house
- you stay in hospital, residential accommodation or legal detention for 28 days or more
- you need to update your payment details
I would like to withdraw my application for ADP, what do I need to do?
You can only withdraw your application if a decision has not been made yet.
You will need to contact Social Security Scotland and ask them to withdraw your application.
Find the contact details for Social Security Scotland on the mygov.scot website.
If you decide to withdraw your application you will still be able to reapply for ADP at a later date.
How will Social Security Scotland let me know about the decision that is made?
Once a decision has been made, Social Security Scotland will send you a letter. This is called a notice of determination.
Challenging an ADP decision
What can I do if I do not agree with the decision that has been made?
If you disagree with the decision made by Social Security Scotland such as the outcome, how much you are receiving, or when the payments should start, you can challenge it.
Learn more about challenging a decision on the mygov.scot website.
You can challenge the decision if Social Security Scotland tells you that they have paid you too much and ask you to pay the money back.
Challenging an ADP decision with Social Security Scotland has two stages, these are:
Stage one - Re-determination
You will need to request a redetermination within six weeks (42 days) of the date on your original decision letter.
Social Security Scotland will sometimes accept late re-determination requests if you can provide a good reason and your request is no more than one year after the decision letter.
They can refuse your request if you do not provide a good reason.
Once your request has been received by Social Security Scotland, they will let you know that they have received it and how long they will take to make a new decision.
During the re-determination, a new team at Social Security Scotland will:
- review your original application and the supporting information provided, and
- make a new decision the benefit that you have applied for.
Learn more about what happens during the re-determination process on mygov.scot.
Stage two - Appeal
If you disagree with the decision made during your re-determination, you can request a review.
Additionally, if Social Security Scotland do not make a re-determination decision in time you can request an appeal.
You can request an appeal within 31 days of receiving a letter from Social Security Scotland which tells you:
- their re-determine decision, or
- that they have not been able to make their re-determination decision in time.
If you request an appeal after the 31 day period you should explain the reasons why you did not appeal sooner. The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland will decide whether they can accept your request or not.
Your request must be within one year of receiving your re-determination letter.
Your request will be reviewed by the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland who are totally independent from Social Security Scotland. They will make a decision on your appeal.
You cannot apply for an appeal without a previous re-determination request.
How to request a re-determination or appeal
Contact Social Security Scotland to request a re-determination or appeal.
Get in touch
You can contact Social Security Scotland via telephone, online or by completing a request form and returning it by post.
Telephone: 0800 182 2222
The team is available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
If you can't speak or hear on the phone you can use the Text Relay Service to request a re-determination or appeal.
Textphone: 18001 then +0300 244 4000
Learn more about using the Relay UK Textphone service on their website.
Request a re-determination or appeal online on the Social Security Scotland website.
Or, complete one of the forms below and return them to:
Address:
Social Security Scotland
PO Box 10303,
Dundee,
DD1 9FY
I have missed the six-week deadline to apply for a re-determination, can I still challenge the decision?
Social Security Scotland will sometimes accept late re-determination requests if you can provide a good reason and your request is no more than one year after the decision letter.
They can refuse your request if you do not provide a good reason.
Once your request has been received by Social Security Scotland, they will let you know that they have received it and how long they will take to make a new decision.
I missed the 31-day deadline period to appeal, can I still make a request?
Yes, you can. If you request an appeal after the 31-day period, you should explain the reasons why you did not appeal sooner. The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland will decide whether they can accept your request or not.
Your request must be within one year of receiving your re-determination letter.
What happens after I submit my re-determination?
Once Social Security Scotland have received your re-determination request, they will contact you to let you know. They will also contact you to let you know if they are able to accept your request if they need any more information from you and how long they have to send you a new decision.
Learn more about what happens during the appeal process on the mygov.scot website.
What happens after I submit an appeal?
After they have received your request for an appeal, Social Security Scotland will have seven working days to submit the details of your case to the First-tier Tribunal. You will receive a letter to inform you that this has been done.
The tribunal will then contact you to let you know that they have your appeal.
They will contact you again to tell you:
- whether they can accept your appeal
- if there's anything else that they need from you, and
- if a hearing is needed, they will let you know what your options are.
Learn more about what happens during the appeal process on the mygov.scot website.
What happens at a tribunal hearing?
Tribunal hearings are not always needed during the appeal process. If your case does go to a tribunal hearing, you may have the opportunity to explain your point of view and answer questions about your case.
Your appeal will be heard by three members of the chamber. If you are attending in person, the tribunal will try to arrange for your hearing to be arranged at a location which is convenient for you.
After the hearing you will receive a letter or email telling you the outcome of your appeal. If you disagree with the decision made by the First-Tier Tribunal, or they refuse your appeal request, you can appeal their decision to the Upper-tier Tribunal.
Do I have to attend a tribunal hearing?
It may be possible for the tribunal to make a decision based on the information already provided, in which case you will not need to attend. Both yourself and Social Security Scotland must agree to a Determination on the Papers.
If the tribunal decides that it needs further information to make a decision it may be requested that you and Social Security Scotland provide more.
You do not have to attend in person if you do not want to. You can have someone, known as an advocate, represent you at the hearing.
Find out more about Advocates and what they can do on the mygov.scot website.
You can also attend a hearing via a teleconference or videoconference instead of in-person.
Can I bring someone to support me at my tribunal hearing?
Yes, you can bring someone to support you. You can have a representative at your hearing, a family member, or a friend.
Is there any additional support that I can receive?
If you receive Adult Disability Payment or Child Disability Payment there are other benefits, services and payments that may be able to help with the costs of care, housing, transport, and travel.
Visit the mygov.scot website to learn more about:
- Support for carers.
- Help with housing costs.
- Help with transport and travel.
- Help if you have low income.
- Help with costs of visiting a child receiving inpatient care in hospital.
- If your disability payment changes.
- If you get short-term assistance.
- If your benefit moves from the Department for work and Pensions.
Information and advice on benefits
You may meet the criteria for other benefits in addition to PIP and ADP. The Citizens Advice Benefits Calculator below can help you find out what you may or may not be eligible for.
As a member of HM Armed Forces, or a family member of, you may be entitled to some in-service benefits. You can find out more about what you are eligible for on the Discover My Benefits website.
Find out more about the benefits of working in HM Armed Forces on the Discover My Benefits website.
The Royal British Legion website links below contain information about benefits and services which may be able to support you.
