Adult disability payment: consultation

Aims of Adult Disability Payment

Adult Disability Payment will be provided to disabled adults to mitigate the additional costs of living with a disability or health condition. This includes physical or mental disabilities and health conditions which have a significant adverse effect on an individual's daily activities that is not short-term. Individuals between the ages of 16 and state pension age will be eligible to apply for Adult Disability Payment.

In reflecting the Scottish Government's approach to social security, Adult Disability Payment is intended to be person centred, taking into account the specific needs of each client. This should bring about a marked improvement in the experience of disabled people in interacting with the social security system.

The regulations provide detailed rules relating to Adult Disability Payment, including eligibility, what assistance is available, the value of the payment and the making of applications and determinations. Comprehensive staff guidance will explain how the regulations should be interpreted and applied. It will also set out processes not detailed in the regulations such as the mechanics of the application and decision making process. While creating this guidance we will be engaging with stakeholders and taking on board their feedback.