Disabled people and carers relocating to Scotland will now be required to submit new applications to continue receiving financial assistance, following changes introduced by the Scottish Government. The reforms replace existing UK-wide benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children and Carer’s Allowance with new Scottish equivalents.
Under the updated system, individuals must apply for Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment or Carer Support Payment shortly after moving north of the border to avoid interruptions in financial support. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland will maintain existing payments for up to 13 weeks after a move, giving applicants time to complete the transition. Attendance Allowance will also be replaced next year by the Pension Age Disability Payment.
Karyn Dunning, deputy director at Social Security Scotland, said the new framework aims to provide a more compassionate and accessible benefits system. She encouraged those affected to apply promptly, noting that the Scottish approach avoids private sector assessors and prioritises dignity, fairness and respect in decision-making.
Applicants who meet the required timescales may have their new payments backdated to cover the period immediately following the end of their DWP entitlement, ensuring no loss of income during the move.
