A new benefit for pensioners has been rolled out across Scotland.<\/p>\n
The Pension Age Disability Payment is now accepting applications nationwide, following successful pilots in 18 local authority areas that began in October.<\/p>\n
Read more:\u00a0‘Inspirational’ Glasgow mum to run London Marathon for arthritis charity<\/a><\/p>\n This is the 15th\u00a0benefit to be delivered by the Scottish Government<\/a> and replaces the UK Government<\/a>‘s Attendance Allowance, previously administered by the Department for Work and Pensions.<\/p>\n The payment is aimed at disabled individuals or those with long-term health conditions who require assistance with self-care or supervision for safety.<\/p>\n It is available to people of state pension age, including terminally ill pensioners.<\/p>\n Those currently receiving Attendance Allowance do not need to take any action, as the transfer will occur automatically in phases throughout 2025.<\/p>\n All recipients will continue to receive their payments on time and in the correct amount.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “The pilot phases have allowed us to put our different approach into practice, learning and improving before rolling the benefit out across Scotland.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Scottish Government is committed to ensuring everyone gets the financial support they\u2019re entitled to and this has not changed following the UK Government\u2019s announcement on benefit reforms.\u201d<\/p>\n