New disability benefit for pensioners in Scotland
Pensioners in 5 Scottish local authorities will be the first in the country eligible for a new disability benefit.
From today (Monday 21 October), Pension Age Disability Payment — the replacement for Attendance Allowance — will be piloted in Aberdeen City, Argyll and Bute, Highland Orkney, and Shetland.
The benefit will then become available to 13 more local authority areas on 24 March 2025, before becoming available across Scotland by 22 April 2025.
Pension Age Disability Benefit is for people of pension age, who have a disability or long-term health condition, and need help looking after themselves or supervision in order to stay safe.
It is not means-tested and is worth between £290 and £434 a month, depending on the individual needs of the person.
Currently, over 150,000 people in Scotland get an Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions
Individuals affected do not need to take action, as awards will be automatically moved from the Department for Work Pensions to Social Security Scotland.
This will happen in phases, with the first expected to be transferred in early 2025.
VoiceAbility provides independent advocacy support for the new benefit, as well as other Social Security Scotland benefits.
Please contact us online at voiceability.org or by freephone on 0300 303 1660.