The Scottish Government has also confirmed there will be no changes to Adult Disability Payment to align with the DWP.
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The Scottish Government has confirmed that transfers of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awards to Adult Disability Payment (ADP) for all claimants living north of the border has now been completed. Nearly 350,000 disabled people who were getting PIP have had their benefit awards successfully transferred to Social Security Scotland.
This month marks the third anniversary of ADP being available across Scotland and the complete transfer represents the delivery of an entirely new approach to disability assistance based on ‘dignity, fairness and respect’.
The Scottish Government explained that while the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) outsources assessments to private firms, Social Security Scotland uses information from professionals who know the disabled person when making decisions, such as their GP or a support worker.
READ MORE: Payment warning to people making a new claim for devolved disability benefitsREAD MORE: People making a new claim for Adult Disability Payment could also be due extra benefits
ADP provides money to help with the additional costs that come with being disabled or having a long-term health condition that affects someone’s life. People who are terminally ill can apply through a dedicated fast-track route.
Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, said: “The transfer to Adult Disability Payment from PIP was a monumental challenge that we’ve delivered for people across Scotland.
“Nearly 350,000 individuals had their data safely and securely moved from the DWP’s systems to ours without having to make a new application for assistance. We also ensured there was no break in their payments.
“This month marks three years since Adult Disability Payment was available across Scotland, the achievement of our ambitious plan to deliver an entirely new approach to disability assistance rooted in compassion.
“That approach will continue to be at the heart of social security in Scotland. That is why I can assure people the Scottish Government will not cut Adult Disability Payment. We will never seek to balance the books on the backs of disabled people.”
Ms Somerville added: “While the UK Government has caused so much anxiety for disabled people in recent months, that is not an approach the Scottish Government will take. We will ensure disabled people will get the support they are entitled to and be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.”
CEO of learning disability charity Garvald Edinburgh, Colum Porter, said: “It is good news that all adults in Scotland have now moved to Adult Disability Payment and will be supported by a benefits system built on dignity, fairness and respect.
“Many people do not understand how expensive it is to be disabled. Disabled adults and their carers can face many additional costs, and it is vital they get the financial support they need.
“Applying for benefits can be daunting and many people have had difficult experiences applying for PIP.”
The latest statistics show over 470,000 people in Scotland were getting ADP in April, including around 150,000 new applicants.
The data also shows that the average time to process a new claim for ADP is now 37 working days, just over seven weeks. This means people making a new claim now could have an award decision before the end of October, although it’s important to be aware that some applications can be quicker or take longer to process.
The Scottish Government estimates that ADP will support 612,000 people by 2028/29, providing financial support of almost £4.5 billion.
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