New DWP Regulations for Disability and Carer Benefit Claimants Moving to Scotland
The Department for Work and Pensions has officially confirmed that new rules have come into effect for individuals receiving key benefits who permanently move from England or Wales to Scotland. These regulations, which took effect on February 23, 2026, apply to claimants of Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Carer's Allowance.
Key Changes for Claimants Relocating to Scotland
Under the updated system, Attendance Allowance customers who make a permanent move to Scotland must now submit a new claim for the Scottish equivalent benefit, known as Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). Similarly, DLA customers relocating permanently to Scotland are required to contact Social Security Scotland directly to discuss their eligibility for Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA).
This significant change means the rules now uniformly apply to all recipients of DWP-administered disability benefits who permanently relocate from England or Wales to Scotland. Authorities are strongly urging affected individuals to apply for the replacement Scottish benefits as soon as possible after their move.
Scottish Benefit Replacements and Application Process
The replacement benefits available through Social Security Scotland include:
- Adult Disability Payment: Provides additional financial support for adults with disabilities or long-term health conditions affecting daily life.
- Child Disability Payment: Replaces Disability Living Allowance for children and young people in Scotland, available for disabled children under 16 with mental or physical disabilities.
- Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP): The Scottish equivalent of Attendance Allowance for older claimants.
- Carer Support Payment: Includes Carer's Allowance Supplement, an extra payment made twice yearly to Scottish residents receiving Carer's Allowance on specific dates.
Background on Social Security Scotland
Social Security Scotland represents a new service established by the Scottish Government to administer various benefits that are being transferred from the UK Government in stages. With its head office located in Dundee and a major operational base in Glasgow, the agency aims to deliver enhanced support for vulnerable populations.
Once the transfer process is fully completed, Social Security Scotland will be responsible for providing benefits to assist people on low incomes, disabled individuals, carers, young people entering the workforce, and those needing help with heating costs. The implementation of these new DWP rules follows the completion of initial case transfers for Attendance Allowance and DLA to the Scottish system.
