People making a new claim for Adult Disability Payment most-likely to get ‘indefinite' award

Daily Record

06-06-2025

Most Adult Disability Payment awards are issued by Social Security Scotland for between two and 10 years.
The latest statistics from Social Security Scotland show that at the end of January, some 433,055 people were receiving Adult Disability Payments (ADP), the devolved benefit that has now replaced all new claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) north of the border. Of that overall figure, 145,090 (34%) were new applicants and 287,960 (66%) had their award transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The data also shows that the average time to process a new claim for ADP is now 42 working days, just over eight weeks. This means people making a new claim in May could have an award decision before the end of July, although it's important to be aware that some applications can take shorter or longer to process.
The Scottish Government estimates that ADP will support 612,000 people by 2028/29, providing financial support of almost £4.5 billion.
When a person is awarded ADP, Social Security Scotland will set a review date, this is to ensure the financial support meets the needs of the claimant. Awards can be issued for anywhere between 24 months and 10 years, however, some people may be given an 'indefinite award' with no review date.
Social Security Scotland reviews take place at a time when a person's needs are likely to have changed, to ensure that their payment continues to be at the right level. It's important to be aware that payments will continue while a review is taking place and they do not need to re-apply during the process.
Adult Disability Payment Indefinite Awards
You may be given an indefinite award with no review date for ADP if:
Your needs are highly unlikely to change
You are awarded the enhanced rate of both the daily living and mobility components of ADP
Guidance on mygov.scot states: 'This means your award will not be reviewed in the future unless you tell us that something has changed.' The Scottish Government says that this meets the principles of 'dignity, fairness and respect'.
PIP award review periods
PIP awards can vary in length. The shortest award is nine months while the longest is an ongoing award with a 'light touch' review at 10 years.
Most people will have their award regularly reviewed by the DWP, regardless of the length of the award, to ensure the level of financial support reflects their needs. This also usually means completing another health questionnaire and taking part in another assessment, or the person's entitlement will end.
Some people will have a limited-term award for a fixed period of up to two years. The person must re-apply before the end of the two-year period, or their entitlement will end. Limited awards for a fixed period like this will be used if a DWP case manager thinks the person's health condition is expected to improve.
Who might be eligible for ADP or PIP?
To be eligible for ADP or PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:
have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months
expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months
You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.
In addition to what we have outlined above, if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP.
preparing, cooking or eating food
managing your medication
washing, bathing or using the toilet
dressing and undressing
engaging and communicating with other people
reading and understanding written information
making decisions about money
planning a journey or following a route
moving around
There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the GOV.UK website here for PIP and here for ADP.
DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at:
whether you can do it safely
how long it takes you
how often your condition affects this activity
whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment
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How are ADP and PIP paid?
ADP and PIP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
ADP and PIP payment rates
You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive for PIP and your rate will be regularly reviewed by the DWP to make sure you are getting the right support.
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ADP and PIP are made up of two components:
Daily living
Mobility
Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.
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You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
Daily living
Standard rate: £73.90
Enhanced rate: £110.40
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Mobility
Standard rate: £29.20
Enhanced rate: £77.05
How you are assessed
You will be assessed for PIP by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP.
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Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here.
Adult Disability Payment consultations will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant and will be conducted by in-house Social Security Scotland staff - find out more about the changes here.
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How to apply for PIP
You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you call, you will need:
your contact details
your date of birth
your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
your bank or building society account number and sort code
your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number
dates and addresses for any time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
How to apply for ADP
People can apply ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.