PADP is from Social Security Scotland and it has replaced both Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance. If you received either of these, your benefit will automatically move to Social Security Scotland. You don’t have to do anything.
Eligibility
- You have reached State Pension age (this depends on your sex and date of birth)
- You live in Scotland
- You have had care needs during the day or night for at least 6 months, because of a disability or health condition
You can still apply if you:
- Have not yet had care needs for 6 months (your award will begin 6 months from when your care needs started, if your application is successful)
- Are waiting for, or do not have, a diagnosis
- Have a terminal illness (there is a separate fast-track application process if you’re terminally ill)
- Live in a care home and pay all your own care costs
PADP is not means-tested, which means your income and savings don’t affect your application.
The meaning of “care needs”
Care needs are any type of support you need due to your disability or health condition. This includes help that:
- You need, but do not yet receive
- You only need sometimes
- Is from a person, or a tool or adaptation
Weekly amounts
| Lower rate | £73.90 per week | If you need supervision or help during the day OR night |
| Higher rate | £110.40 per week | If you need supervision or help during the day AND night. Or if you have a terminal illness. |
Caring for someone who receives PADP?
If you care for someone who receives PADP, you could also get Carer Support Payment.
You can also apply for PADP on the person’s behalf, if they can’t complete the application on their own. Find out more on the Scot Gov website.
Apply or find out more
- Apply on the Scot Gov website
- Read more info from Citizens Advice
- Use the benefits calculator from Edinburgh Council
- Contact Social Security Scotland online or by calling 0800 182 2222
Contact VOCAL
If you still have any questions about Pension Age Disability Payment, you can contact our benefits team at VOCAL. We provide one-to-one advice, as well as regular advice surgeries where we offer benefits checks to carers we support.
