The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a significant rule change affecting claimants of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer's Allowance, Attendance Allowance (AA), and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) who move permanently from England or Wales to Scotland. Under the new rules, these individuals must now make a new claim to the equivalent Scottish benefit administered by Social Security Scotland, ending the previous system of automatic transfer.
What the Rule Change Means for Claimants
Previously, AA and DLA claimants who moved permanently from England or Wales to Scotland had their cases automatically transferred to the corresponding benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland. However, the DWP has now stated that this automatic transfer will no longer occur. Specifically, AA customers moving to Scotland must submit a new claim for Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), while DLA customers need to contact Social Security Scotland to discuss entitlement to Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA).
The DWP confirmed the change in guidance, saying: "Attendance Allowance customers who move permanently from England or Wales to Scotland now need to make a new claim to the Scottish benefit, Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). DLA customers who move permanently from England or Wales to Scotland now need to contact Social Security Scotland to discuss entitlement to Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA)."
Scottish Benefits and Devolution
Under the devolution of social security powers, Social Security Scotland now administers several replacement benefits for those previously covered by DWP benefits. These include Adult Disability Payment (replacing PIP for working-age adults), Child Disability Payment (replacing DLA for children), Pension Age Disability Payment (replacing AA), and Carer Support Payment (replacing Carer's Allowance). The rule change ensures that claimants moving to Scotland are directed to the appropriate Scottish benefit.
Official Advice and Support
Social Security Scotland's deputy director, Karyn Dunning, emphasized the importance of taking action for those moving to Scotland. She said: "It’s vital disabled people and carers who move to Scotland take action to ensure they continue to get the financial support they are entitled to. We know applying for benefits can feel daunting, especially alongside moving to a new country, but there is an in-depth guide available on mygov.scot. Our staff are also here to answer questions and help people apply. We can provide help over the phone, through webchat or through a face-to-face appointment with one of our community-based advisors."
Dunning added: "I urge people not to put off applying. The Scottish approach to benefits is very different from that of the DWP. For example, we do not use private sector assessors to make decisions. Our system is built on the principles of dignity, fairness and respect, and we want disabled people and carers to get every penny they’re entitled to."
Impact on Claimants
The change means that claimants must proactively engage with Social Security Scotland to ensure continuity of financial support. The DWP's previous automatic transfer process has been replaced by a requirement for individuals to initiate new claims. This affects not only AA and DLA claimants but also those receiving PIP and Carer's Allowance, who may need to apply for Adult Disability Payment or Carer Support Payment respectively upon moving to Scotland.
The DWP and Social Security Scotland advise anyone planning to move to check the guidance on mygov.scot and contact Social Security Scotland's helpline for assistance. The aim is to prevent gaps in support during the transition.
