A Department for Work and Pensions benefit will be scrapped in Scotland after a huge new change has been announced. The payment of up to £441 per month supports people over state pension age with disabilities or medical conditions. Thousands of claimants will be impacted by the change – attendance Allowance will be replaced by the Pension Age Disability Payment.
The benefit is designed for disabled people or those with long-term health conditions. Social Security Scotland announced this week that the new benefit is now open for applications nationwide. It is available to people of State Pension age and those who are terminally ill.
The benefit is not means-tested and provides between £295.60 and £441.60 per month depending on specific needs. It will be paid on two rates – a lower rate of £73.80 weekly for those needing help during the day or night, or a higher rate of £110.40 weekly for those requiring more extensive support.
Social Security Scotland has confirmed that everyone will continue to receive their payments “on time and in the right amount” with no break in service.
It will write to people to inform them when their transfer is happening and when it is complete, reports GB News.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The national launch of Pension Age Disability Payment is an important milestone in the development of our social security system, that will treat everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.
“The pilot phases have allowed us to put our different approach into practice, learning and improving before rolling the benefit out across Scotland.
“It is vital older people who are disabled, terminally ill or those who have care needs get the money they need to help them look after themselves, stay safe and live with dignity.
“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring everyone gets the financial support they’re entitled to.”
If you’re unsure about whether this will impact you, you can check your eligibility with the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222.
