Pension Age Disability Payment Explained – Who Can Claim Up to £441 Monthly

The Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) has officially replaced all Attendance Allowance claims in Scotland, providing vital financial support to older adults living with a disability or long-term physical or mental health condition.

This new benefit is overseen by Social Security Scotland and mirrors the structure of DWP Attendance Allowance, while offering a more accessible and claimant-focused approach.

Weekly Payment Rates

PADP offers two rates of weekly financial assistance depending on the level of care required:

• Lower Rate: £73.90 per week – for those needing help either during the day or at night.
• Higher Rate: £110.40 per week – for those requiring support both day and night, or who are living with a terminal illness.

Payments are usually made every four weeks, amounting to £295.60 (lower rate) or £441.60 (higher rate).

Claim Processing Times

Recent figures highlight a swift turnaround for applications:

• Standard claims: Average six working days from application to decision letter.
• Terminal illness claims: Processed in just one working day.

This means many applicants who apply in September could expect a decision before the end of the month. However, complex applications may take longer, particularly as awareness and applications increase.

Application Statistics

Data from Social Security Scotland shows:

• 2,575 applications processed by April 30, 2025.
• 77% approved, 11% denied, 11% withdrawn.
• Among successful applicants:
  • 79% received the higher rate (£110.40).
  • 21% awarded the lower rate (£73.90).

The majority of claimants were aged over 75, reflecting the scheme’s importance for Scotland’s older population.

Health Conditions Supported by PADP

PADP covers a wide range of disabilities and health conditions, similar to Attendance Allowance. These include:

• Arthritis, spondylosis, and chronic back pain
• Heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and asthma
• Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and motor neurone disease
• Dementia, psychosis, and other mental health conditions
• Cancers, metabolic diseases, diabetes, and blood disorders
• Frailty, double amputation, deaf/blind conditions, and kidney disorders (including haemodialysis)

This list is not exhaustive, and applicants are encouraged to check official guidance to confirm eligibility.

Eligibility for PADP

You can apply for PADP if you:

• Have reached State Pension age (66).
• Have had care needs for at least six months due to disability or health condition.

You may still qualify if:

• Your care needs started less than six months ago (payments will begin once six months have passed).
• You are awaiting a diagnosis.
• You are living with a terminal illness (fast-track processing applies).

Important: You cannot receive PADP and Attendance Allowance at the same time. Existing Attendance Allowance recipients will be automatically moved to PADP by Social Security Scotland.

How to Apply for PADP

Applications are open in eligible areas through mygov.scot. Those outside Scotland should continue to claim Attendance Allowance through the DWP.

For additional help, the VoiceAbility independent advocacy service, funded by the Scottish Government, offers free nationwide support to disabled people applying for devolved benefits.

• Call 0800 182 2222 to be referred for advocacy support.

Key Improvements in PADP

The Scottish Government co-designed PADP with input from potential claimants and support groups. Improvements include:

• Simpler process to nominate a third-party representative.
• Fast-track decisions for applicants with terminal illnesses.
• A more person-centered approach to disability payments.

The Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) represents a major shift in how older people with disabilities or long-term health conditions in Scotland receive financial support.

With quicker processing times, flexible eligibility, and higher approval rates for those most in need, PADP ensures vital assistance for some of the most vulnerable groups. As demand grows, timely applications and awareness of eligibility will remain crucial for beneficiaries.

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