Latest news with #AdviceDirectScotland
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Scottish pensioners with ongoing health issues could be due up to £110 every week
Pension Age Disability Payment is only available for older people with a Scottish postcode. Pensioners in Scotland are being urged to contact a charity for help claiming a new disability benefit, only available to people over 66 living north of the border. Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) is administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland and replaces all new claims for Attendance Allowance. Existing Attendance Allowance claimants will continue to receive payments of up to £441.60 every four-week payment period from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) until their award transfers to the devolved IT system before the end of this year. National advice agency Advice Direct Scotland said households should not be concerned by the switch from Attendance Allowance to PADP as there will be no break in payments of either £75.90 or £110.40 each week. However, any changes in circumstances should continue to be reported to DWP until the migration has been completed. The charity, which handles more than 900,000 inquiries a year, can help people of State Pension age with a disability, long-term illness or health condition, make a new claim for PADP or answer queries on the move from Attendance Allowance. Rebecca Fagan, benefit and welfare information officer at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'This is essentially a rebranding of an existing benefit, in this case, Attendance Allowance. While the name and handling are changing, the support remains the same. 'We understand that these changes can cause concern for some people who fear they may lose out. It's crucial that older people who are disabled, terminally ill, or have care needs continue to receive the financial support necessary to maintain their well-being, safety, and dignity. 'The Pension Age Disability Payment will be a vital source of assistance for those with long-term health conditions. With the rising cost of living and increasing bills, it's more important than ever that older people access all available financial aid. 'If you're uncertain about your eligibility or need help with an application, our team at is here to offer free, confidential support.' Pension Age Disability Payment is available to people of State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision to stay safe. It is also available to pensioners who are terminally ill. It is the latest benefit to be managed by the Scottish Government through Social Security Scotland. Scots can check their eligibility and apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment on the website here. The team can be reached at 0808 800 9060, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, or through their website at Advice Direct Scotland also provides an online benefits calculator to help people assess their entitlement to both devolved and reserved benefits. You can check for unclaimed benefits or discounts here. New figures from Social Security Scotland show there were 1,875 people over 66 now receiving Pension Age Disability Payments. People of State Pension age with a disability, long-term illness or health condition could be eligible for the lower rate of £73.90 if they need help during the day or at night, or the higher rate of £110.40, if they need help during the day and at night, or if they are terminally ill. For anyone thinking about making a new claim, the latest data indicates the average processing time - from point of application to decision award letter - is currently six working days. For those applying with a terminal illness it is one working day. This means people submitting a new claim this weekend could receive a letter or an email at the start of next month. However, it's important to be aware that complex cases may take longer and as awareness about the new benefit grows, that timeframe will undoubtedly increase. Insights from Social Security Scotland also shows the most common age of claimants is currently over 75. It also reveals that of the 2,575 applications processed - with a decision made by April 30 - 77 per cent were authorised, 11 per cent were denied and 11 per cent were withdrawn. Most successful applicants received the higher rate. Of all authorised applications, 79 per cent were awarded the higher level of 110.40 per week and 21 per cent were awarded the lower level of £73.90 over the period to 30 April 2025. Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance and PADP The conditions listed below are sourced from information recorded on the DWP's Attendance Allowance computer system. PADP also supports people with these conditions. It's important to note this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance or PADP, it is intended to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported. However, if you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should check out the official eligibility guidance for Attendance Allowance on the website here. Main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain Arthritis Spondylosis Back Pain Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints Trauma to Limbs Visual Disorders and Diseases Hearing Disorders Heart Disease Respiratory Disorders and Diseases Asthma Cystic Fibrosis Cerebrovascular Disease Peripheral vascular Disease Epilepsy Neurological Diseases Multiple Sclerosis Parkinsons Disease Motor Neurone Disease Chronic Pain Syndromes Diabetes Mellitus Metabolic Disease Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia Learning Difficulties Psychosis Psychoneurosis Personality Disorder Dementia Behavioural Disorder Alcohol and Drug Abuse Hyperkinetic Syndrome Renal Disorders Inflammatory Bowel Disease Bowel and Stomach Disease Blood Disorders Haemophilia Multi System Disorders Multiple Allergy Syndrome Skin Disease Malignant Disease Severely Mentally impaired Double Amputee Deaf/Blind Haemodialysis Frailty Total Parenteral Nutrition AIDS Infectious diseases: Viral disease - Coronavirus covid-19 The Scottish Government said PADP has been designed with the help of people who will be eligible for the benefit and those who support them. Improvements include a streamlined process for people to nominate a third party representative who can support them to communicate with Social Security Scotland. A fast-track process will be put in place for applicants diagnosed with a terminal illness. As already mentioned, this takes just one working day on average to process. Eligibility for Pension Age Disability Payment Guidance on provides full details on who can claim, how to claim, additional help available, what happens after a claim is submitted and extra support for successful claimants. Find out more here. You can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you have both: Reached State Pension age (66) Had care needs during the day or night for 6 months or more because of a disability or health condition You can still apply if: You have not had care needs for 6 months or more - your award will begin 6 months from when your care needs started if your application is successful You are waiting for, or do not have, a diagnosis You have a terminal illness - there is a separate fast-track application process if you're terminally ill It's important to be aware you cannot get Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time. Existing claimants will automatically move to Pension Age Disability Payment - Social Security Scotland will do this and you will not have to do anything. If you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you do not need to do anything. Your benefit will move to Social Security Scotland. Payment rates for Pension Age Disability Payment Social Security Scotland will provide Pension Age Disability Payment at the same weekly rate as Attendance Allowance. It is also currently doing this for the devolved Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment. The weekly payment rates for Attendance Allowance are: Lower rate - £73.90 Higher rate - £110.40 How do I apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment? You can only apply for the new disability assistance benefit if it has opened in your area. You can check on the dedicated pages on here. Anyone over State Pension age with a disability that means they need assistance with looking after themselves, or supervision to keep them safe, should continue to apply for Attendance Allowance through the DWP. Get support making a claim from an independent advocate Help is also available from the independent advocacy service VoiceAbility, which is funded by the Scottish Government, to help disabled people applying for devolved benefits. It provides a free, nationwide advocacy service supporting disabled people to access Social Security Scotland benefits. If you need an advocate, you should: contact Social Security Scotland for free on 0800 182 2222 ask them to refer you to the Independent Advocacy Service Full contact details can be found here.
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
People warned to check if they owe tax as deadline for next payment looms
The deadline for paying the second instalment of tax for the 2024/25 financial year is fast approaching on July 31, but many people may be unaware they need to do so People are being prompted to check whether they owe any tax for the 2024/25 financial year as a crucial payment deadline approaches. Advice Direct Scotland has sounded the alarm, reminding workers that they must clear their tax dues by midnight on Thursday, July 31, to dodge potential penalties from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Individuals who are registered for self-assessment for the 2024/25 tax year might have already made an initial payment to HMRC at the end of January, coinciding with the due date for the 2023/24 tax returns. Nonetheless, a second payment is expected by the end of July, termed a 'payment on account', which contributes towards their forthcoming tax bill. These instalments aim to ease the annual tax burden by spreading out payments and are estimated based on the previous year's tax liability. Yet, it's all too easy to overlook this deadline. Delays in settling the tax bill can trigger monetary sanctions from HMRC, with the penalty amount varying according to the tax owed and the extent of the delay. To ascertain if a payment is due before July 31, Scots are advised to log into their HMRC online account and review their self-assessment statement, reports the Daily Record. Should you anticipate that your tax liability will be less than the previous year, you have the option to apply for a reduced 'payment on account', which can be accomplished online or via post. Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, commented: "Paying a tax bill is a long way from most people's minds during the height of the summer, which is why it is so easy to miss this particular HMRC deadline. "However, late payment fines will start to accrue if you forget about it, so make sure you login to your online account now and check if you need to act. "If your situation has changed and you think you will be liable to pay less tax than previously, make sure to ask for a reduction, which will keep the money in your pocket." He continued: "If you find the whole thing confusing, don't worry - the team is here to help Scots with self-assessment queries, completely free of charge. The service is backed by HMRC and provides an alternative to calling them directly." Advice Direct Scotland provides a complimentary tax helpline and website named which has HMRC backing, to assist individuals in understanding their tax responsibilities. Those requiring support with navigating the self-assessment procedure can contact a specialist adviser on 0800 756 3381. Beyond self-assessment guidance, personnel can respond to enquiries across numerous areas, from PAYE to National Insurance questions. They can also provide direction on tax matters relating to pensions, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, and marriage allowance, whilst offering assistance with claiming Child Benefit and Tax Credits.
Daily Record
18-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
People warned to check if they owe tax ahead of payment deadline this month
People must settle their tax bills by midnight on July 31 to avoid potential fines from HMRC. Income tax rises for Scots in April - how the changes affect you Scots have been urged to check now if they need to pay any tax for the 2024/25 financial year ahead of a looming payment deadline. Advice Direct Scotland has issued a reminder that people must settle their tax bills by midnight on Thursday, July 31, to avoid potential fines from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Those registered for self-assessment for the 2024/25 tax year may already have paid HMRC an initial instalment at the end of January, when tax returns for 2023/24 were also due. However, a second instalment is also due at the end of July, known as a 'payment on account', which goes towards their next tax bill. The payments are designed to help spread the cost of tax throughout the year and are calculated based on the previous year's tax bill. But the deadline is easy to miss. Paying the tax bill late can lead to financial penalties being issued by HMRC, with the amount depending on how much tax is owed and how late the payment is. To check if you need to pay something before July 31, Scots should login to their HMRC online account and check their self-assessment statement. If you know the tax you owe is going to be lower than last year, you can request a reduction in the payment on account, which can be done either online or by post. Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'Paying a tax bill is a long way from most people's minds during the height of the summer, which is why it is so easy to miss this particular HMRC deadline. 'However, late payment fines will start to accrue if you forget about it, so make sure you login to your online account now and check if you need to act. 'If your situation has changed and you think you will be liable to pay less tax than previously, make sure to ask for a reduction, which will keep the money in your pocket.' He added: 'If you find the whole thing confusing, don't worry - the team is here to help Scots with self-assessment queries, completely free of charge. The service is backed by HMRC and provides an alternative to calling them directly.' Advice Direct Scotland offers a free tax helpline and website called which is backed by HMRC, to help people understand their tax obligations. Those who need help navigating the self-assessment process can call a specialist adviser on 0800 756 3381. As well as advice on self-assessment, staff can answer questions on a wide range of areas, from PAYE to National Insurance queries. They can also offer guidance on tax related to pensions, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, and marriage allowance, as well as help with claiming Child Benefit and Tax Credits.
Glasgow Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Taxpayers urged to check HMRC deadline to avoid fines
Advice Direct Scotland has issued a reminder to taxpayers across Scotland that self-assessment payments must be made by midnight on Thursday, July 31, to avoid fines from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The warning is particularly relevant for those who pay tax through the self-assessment system. Read more: Children First seeks 'vital' safeguarders to champion children's rights Many self-assessment taxpayers will have already made a first payment on account in January when settling their 2023/24 tax bill. However, a second instalment – known as a "payment on account" – is also due at the end of July. These payments are based on the previous year's tax bill and are designed to spread the cost more evenly throughout the year. Missing the deadline can result in financial penalties, which increase depending on the amount owed and the length of the delay. Taxpayers are advised to log in to their HMRC online account to check their self-assessment statement and confirm whether a payment is due. If they expect their tax bill for 2024/25 to be lower than the previous year, they can request a reduction in the payment on account through HMRC's online services or by post. Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: "Paying a tax bill is a long way from most people's minds during the height of the summer, which is why it is so easy to miss this particular HMRC deadline. "However, late payment fines will start to accrue if you forget about it, so make sure you log in to your online account now and check if you need to act. "If your situation has changed and you think you will be liable to pay less tax than previously, make sure to ask for a reduction, which will keep the money in your pocket." Advice Direct Scotland operates a free tax helpline and website – taxadvice. scot – supported by HMRC to help taxpayers understand their obligations. The service offers guidance on various topics, including self-assessment, PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, marriage allowance, child benefit, and tax credits. Those who need help can call a specialist adviser on 0800 756 3381. Mr Bartlett said: "If you find the whole thing confusing, don't worry – the team is here to help Scots with self-assessment queries, completely free of charge. "The service is backed by HMRC and provides an alternative to calling them directly."
Daily Record
16-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Lanarkshire locals urged to check if they need to pay any tax ahead of deadline
Advice Direct Scotland has issued a reminder that people must settle their tax bills by midnight on Thursday, July 31, to avoid potential fines from HMRC. Lanarkshire locals have been urged to check now if they need to pay any tax for the 2024/25 financial year, with a key payment deadline just two weeks away. Advice Direct Scotland has issued a reminder that people must settle their tax bills by midnight on Thursday, July 31, to avoid potential fines from HMRC. Those registered for self-assessment for the 2024/25 tax year may already have paid HMRC an initial instalment at the end of January, when tax returns for 2023/24 were also due. However, a second instalment is also due at the end of July, known as a 'payment on account', which goes towards their next tax bill. The payments are designed to help spread the cost of tax throughout the year and are calculated based on the previous year's tax bill. But the deadline is easy to miss. Paying the tax bill late can lead to financial penalties being issued by HMRC, with the amount depending on how much tax is owed and how late the payment is. To check if you need to pay something before July 31, Scots should login to their HMRC online account and check their self-assessment statement. If you know the tax you owe is going to be lower than last year, you can request a reduction in the payment on account, which can be done either online or by post. Advice Direct Scotland offers a free tax helpline and website called which is backed by HMRC, to help people understand their tax obligations. Those who need help navigating the self-assessment process can call a specialist adviser on 0800 756 3381. As well as advice on self-assessment, staff can answer questions on a wide range of areas, from PAYE to National Insurance queries. They can also offer guidance on tax related to pensions, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, and marriage allowance, as well as help with claiming child benefit and tax credits. Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'Paying a tax bill is a long way from most people's minds during the height of the summer, which is why it is so easy to miss this particular HMRC deadline. 'However, late payment fines will start to accrue if you forget about it, so make sure you login to your online account now and check if you need to act. 'If your situation has changed and you think you will be liable to pay less tax than previously, make sure to ask for a reduction, which will keep the money in your pocket. 'If you find the whole thing confusing, don't worry – the team is here to help Scots with self-assessment queries, completely free of charge. 'The service is backed by HMRC and provides an alternative to calling them directly. Visit or call us on 0800 756 3381.'
