Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD WELCOMES ROLL-OUT OF ADULT DISABILITY PAYMENT TO MORAY

Richard Lochhead MSP has welcomed the launch of the Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Moray. 

The new Adult Disability Payment, administered by Social Security Scotland, is now available in 13 council areas and will be available across Scotland by the end of August.

ADP is the twelfth and most complex benefit to be delivered by the Scottish Government and replaces the UK Government’s Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The benefit provides financial support to people aged between 16 and state pension age, who are disabled, have a long-term health condition or have a terminal illness.

People already receiving the UK Government’s Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance do not need to make an application for Adult Disability Payment. These existing awards will transfer automatically from the DWP to Social Security Scotland. Cases will transfer in stages starting from this summer and this process is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Commenting, Richard Lochhead MSP said:

“It’s good news that the Adult Disability Payment has now been extended to Moray.

“The Scottish Government is building a responsible and compassionate social security system and I hope applicants will find the process much more positive than the current UK Government system, which I know many people in Moray have found very difficult to navigate.

“The new payment will ensure people living with a disability are supported financially and will help people to live well.

“I’d encourage anyone in Moray who might be eligible to check and apply. It’s really important that people access the support they are entitled to.

Background:

Adult Disability Payment is being introduced in pilot areas ahead of opening nationwide on 29 August.

Adult Disability Payment opened for applications in Dundee, Perth, and the Western Isles in March and Angus, North Lanarkshire, and South Lanarkshire in June.

Over 300,000 people will be part of the case transfer from Personal Independence Payment to Adult Disability Payment.

Around 39,000 people are currently in receipt of Working Age Disability Living Allowance. When Adult Disability Payment is nationwide at the end of August, where someone reports a relevant change, or their award is due to be renewed, or they request to transfer, their case will be transferred to Adult Disability Payment on a like-for-like basis. Their award will then be reviewed in line with the usual Adult Disability Payment rules after the transfer completes.

The advocacy service provided by VoiceAbility is entirely independent of the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland. This can be accessed by contacting

VoiceAbility directly for free on 0300 303 1660 or by visiting voiceability.org