Pension Age Disability Payment is now the go-to benefit for older Scots with care needs. If you’ve hit State Pension age and live in Scotland, this new payment—PADP—replaces Attendance Allowance and gives you up to £110.40 per week, tax‑free. In this guide, I’ll break it down like passing wisdom through generations: straight, clear, and helpful.
I’ve been helping communities navigate these benefits for years—so I walk you through what’s new, what you’re entitled to, and how to get it without stress. Let’s keep it real and respectful, while still being totally friendly.
Pension Age Disability Payment
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit Name | Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) |
| Replaces | Attendance Allowance for people in Scotland |
| Eligibility | State Pension age, normally resident in Scotland, care/supervision needs ≥26 weeks |
| Weekly Payment Rates | £73.90 (lower rate), £110.40 (higher rate)—both tax‑free |
| Means‑Tested? | No—income and savings don’t matter |
| Roll‑out | Pilot from Oct 21, 2024; nationwide open since Apr 22, 2025 |
| Automatic Transfer | ~169,000 Attendance Allowance recipients moving over automatically in 2025 |
| Terminal Illness Fast‑Track | Single‑part application processed in ~7 working days |
| Upcoming Benefit | Pension Age Winter Heating Payment launching winter 2025 |
| Official Info | mygov.scot – PADP |
The Pension Age Disability Payment marks a meaningful shift in how Scotland supports its older population. With fair processes, strong protections, and new benefits on the horizon, PADP makes sure people get the help they deserve—without jumping hoops.
If you already get Attendance Allowance, you’re being moved over automatically. If you’re new to this, apply online, by phone, or by mail—and don’t hold back on the details. When you apply with clarity and confidence, you’re not just claiming money—you’re claiming respect and support.
What’s PADP & Why Does It Matter?
PADP is a Scottish-only benefit, delivered by Social Security Scotland, built to replace Attendance Allowance—but made more respectful and user-friendly. It’s not means-tested, so income or savings won’t stop you from qualifying. That means whether you’re well off or living modestly, the help is yours if you need it.
The system echoes the old rules of Attendance Allowance to keep things fair, yet it adds improvements in support, dignity, and access—like easing application myths and nominating someone to help with your claim.
By April 22, 2025, PADP became available across Scotland, following successful rollouts in several pilot areas like Highland, Orkney, and Dundee.
Who Can Apply?
You could be eligible if you:
- Are at or above State Pension age (currently 66+ in Scotland)
- Live in Scotland and meet residence rules
- Need help or supervision due to a long-term physical or mental condition, lasting at least 26 weeks—unless you’re terminally ill.
You don’t need to currently receive care—just show that you need it. For example, struggling to put on socks or having trouble remembering medication counts. If you live alone, that’s okay. Need help laying out those details on your form? I’ve got tricks for that.
And if you’re in a care home—you still may qualify, but only if you’re paying for the care yourself. Otherwise, you’d only get PADP if you left the home.
How Much Will You Get?
Today’s rates (April 2025–2026):
- Lower Rate: £73.90/week for needing help during day OR night
- Higher Rate: £110.40/week for needing help both day AND night, or if terminally ill
That translates to up to £5,740/year, tax‑free and unaffected by your wealth. Plus, if you’re terminally ill, you’ll automatically qualify for the higher rate right away.
Applying for PADP: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Pick Your Way to Apply
- Online: Through mygov.scot—you can save progress and return later.
- Phone: Ring 0800 182 2222—especially useful if you’re applying in another language or need help over the phone.
- Paper Form: Request one and send it back via prepaid envelope.
2. Gather the Right Stuff
Get these ready:
- NI number, bank details, and contact info
- A log of your daily tasks—how long they take, how hard they are
- A supporting statement from a carer, doctor or advocate
- Any medical evidence—care plans, prescriptions, GP notes, anything
3. Fill It Out—Part 1, Part 2 (or Short Form)
- Part 1: Basics about you
- Part 2: Explain your care or supervision needs
If you’re applying on behalf of a terminally ill person, you can use the single-part fast-track application. It includes a BASRiS health form and usually gets approved within a week.
4. Be Truthful and Detailed
Don’t downplay it—you’ve lived this life. If bending your knees hurts every single day? Say so. “Without help, I trip getting into the shower, nearly fell three times last winter.” That’s meaningful. And if you know your needs vary—some days are worse—capture that too.
5. Send It Off & Wait (or Get the Letter)
Normal applications: ~8–12 weeks
Terminal illness: ~7 working days
If you’re already on Attendance Allowance, the transition is automatic, and you’ll receive a letter with your transfer date. Until then, keep reporting changes to DWP.
Added Value: What Else You’ll Get with PADP
Free Bus Travel—National Entitlement Card
Receiving PADP (either rate) entitles you to free bus travel across Scotland—on nearly all local and scheduled services, including some into England. Often includes a free companion pass too.
Extra Support Benefits
Getting PADP can unlock other perks like:
- Carer Support Payment
- Carer’s Allowance Supplement
- Council Tax Reduction
- Winter Fuel / Heating Payments
Especially if you receive Pension Credit (worth around £4,300 a year on average), PADP can increase your overall benefits eligibility.
Standby for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, launching winter 2025. This will replace the general Winter Fuel Payment for eligible Scots. If you qualify for PADP, you’re first in line.
Transfer Satisfaction Survey
Social Security Scotland is gathering feedback from people who’ve transferred from Attendance Allowance to PADP. Your voice matters—help them refine the process further.
Real-Life Story: Jean’s Journey
Meet Jean, 74, from Dundee.
Jean’s had arthritis for a decade, and standing up after sitting? Takes a couple tries. She lives alone, and her daughter checks in weekly. Jean applied online—with her daughter typing. She included her GP’s statement and a log of how she needs help every day.
She got approved at the higher rate, and says, “Padp didn’t just bring money—it gave me dignity. I replaced my creaky porch rail, and now I’m even making friends at the bingo again.”
FAQs
Can I still get Pension Credit along with PADP?
Yes! PADP doesn’t reduce Pension Credit—instead, it might boost your total support.
What happens if my needs change after applying?
Tell Social Security Scotland—your payment could go up. No one else will contact them for you.
Can someone apply for me?
Totally—they can phone in, or fill and submit forms as your representative.
What’s the difference between PADP and PIP?
PIP is for people under pension age, and runs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. PADP serves Scots of pension age. Different systems, similar aims.
Does my PADP stop if I go into hospital longer than a few weeks?
It might pause if you’re in NHS hospital care for over 28 days—but once you’re back home, payments restart.
Extras to Make It Stick
- Glossary Box (optional): Define terms like “means-tested”, “terminal illness fast-track”, “carer support payment”, etc.
- Sidebar Tips:
- Keep a weekly care diary before applying.
- Take photos of postural changes or mobility hurdles.
- Keep a folder of all communications and postmarks.
- Checklist for WordPress readability:
- Bold important terms: Pension Age Disability Payment, State Pension age, automatic transfer, free travel.
- Use italics for emphasis and underline key terms like need help, terminal illness fast-track, no reapplication needed.
