Understanding the new devolved benefits
The benefits system in Scotland is changing rapidly. Understanding the new benefits can help you make sure you are claiming your entitlement.
As part of the transfer of certain responsibilities to the Scottish Parliament, Social Security Scotland has made many changes to improve the Scottish benefits system. This has included top-up payments to existing UK Government benefits and launching new benefits to replace some of those previously paid by the Department for Work and Pensions.
The introduction of these new benefits is now well underway, with the majority already in various stages of rollout. Most recently, the pilot of Pension Age Disability Payment launched in autumn 2024, to replace Attendance Allowance. New claimants living in Argyll & Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City, Orkney and Shetland can now apply for Pension Age Disability Payment with the payment due to be available across Scotland by 22 April 2025. The transfer of existing claimants will take place gradually over the coming months.
Other new benefits include Carer Support Payment, which replaces Carer’s Allowance, and Adult Disability Payment, the new disability benefit replacing Personal Independence Payment for working-age adults. Those claiming Carer’s Allowance are already being transferred to the new benefit, with the process due to be complete by spring 2025.
All new applications for a carer benefit should now be made to Social Security Scotland for Carer Support Payment. Working age adults making a new claim for a disability-related benefit should claim Adult Disability Payment. Adults who have reached State Pension age should apply for either Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment, depending on the area of Scotland they live in and when they are applying.
If you would like to find out more, Age Scotland provides free information guides on each of the benefits for older adults in Scotland. There is also a Benefit and Pension Changes guide outlining recent changes that are most likely to affect older people. All our guides are available to read or order at www.age.scot/information or call the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222.
For more advice on your own situation, our helpline advisers can help. A free benefit check can let you know which benefits you could apply for and how much you could claim. You can book a benefit check by calling our helpline. You can also check your entitlement online at www.age.scot/benefitscalculator.
This article first appeared in the Spring 2025 edition of Advantage magazine. You can read the full magazine here.
