Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) is a new benefit that has replaced Attendance Allowance for around 150,000 older people in Scotland.
Page contents
At a glance
- Benefit overview: Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) is a Scottish benefit that does not depend on income and is tax-free. Social Security Scotland runs it, and it replaces Attendance Allowance for older people.
- Target audience: People living in Scotland who are 66 or older and need extra help or support because of a physical or mental disability or a long-term health problem.
- 2026 weekly rates: Pays £76.70 for the lower rate (for those needing care during the day or night) or £114.60 for the higher rate (for those needing care both day and night, or who are terminally ill).
- Automatic transfers & assessments: People already receiving Attendance Allowance will be moved over automatically without losing their payments, and applying does not require an in-person assessment.
What is Pension Age Disability Payment?
Pension Age Disability Payment is designed to help people aged 66 and over with a disability or long-term health condition who need extra assistance to keep them safe.
The benefit is designed to give additional financial support to people of State Pension age. The Scottish Government says that similarly to Attendance Allowance it will not include a mobility element.
People in England and Wales will continue to get Attendance Allowance.
How much is Pension Age Disability Payment in 2026?
The benefit will pay the same rates as Attendance Allowance.
Lower rate: £76.70 a week. You must need frequent help during the day or supervision at night.
Higher rate: £114.60 a week. You must require care in both the day and night.
People who are terminally ill will automatically get the higher rate.
Who is eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment?
You may be eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment if you have reached State Pension age, live in Scotland and need help or supervision because of a disability or long-term health condition.
You will usually need to have needed this help or supervision for a qualifying period before you can receive the benefit. Different rules apply if you are terminally ill.
Pension Age Disability Payment is not means-tested, so your income and savings do not affect whether you can receive it.
Find trusted home care in Scotland
13,000+ home care providers
1,500+ new reviews every month
100,000+ verified reviews
How do I apply?
You can apply for the benefit by filling in a paper application or doing it online.
Face to face assessments
Similarly to the rollout of the Adult Disability Payment there will be no face to face assessments for this benefit.
The 32 local councils in Scotland will offer ‘dedicated support’ in a ‘person-centred approach’.
Gov.Scot says the application process will be inclusive and accessible.
People currently claiming Attendance Allowance
People who are currently in receipt of Attendance Allowance have been automatically transferred over to the new Pension Age Disability Payment. They do not need to make a new claim and there will be no interruption to payments.
Social Security Scotland should have sent you a letter notifying you about the transfer.
You cannot get both benefits at the same time.
Download your free home care funding guide
What happens if I already get Adult Disability Payment?
If you are aged between 18 and 66 and have a disability or long-term mental or physical health condition that affects your everyday life, you can apply for Adult Disability Payment. The Adult Disability Payment has replaced Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in Scotland.
You will continue to receive Adult Disability Payment when you reach State Pension age. If you are already receiving Adult Disability Payment you will not transfer over to the new benefit.
If you already get Adult Disability Payment, you’ll stay on it when you reach State Pension age. You will not transfer to Pension Age Disability Payment.
Next steps
- Check eligibility: Make sure you live in Scotland, are at least 66 years old, and have needed help or supervision for at least 6 months (this 6-month wait does not apply if you are terminally ill).
- Choose how to apply: Apply online at mygov.scot, ask for a paper form by mail, or get help from a Social Security Scotland adviser by calling 0800 182 2222.
- Collect supporting information: Gather medical records, caregiver notes, or prescription details that clearly explain how your health condition affects your daily care and safety needs, day or night.
FAQs
How much is Pension Age Disability Payment?
Pension Age Disability Payment will pay the same rates as Attendance Allowance. According to your needs, the lower rate is £76.70 and the higher rate: £114.60. People who are terminally ill will automatically get the higher rate.
What makes you eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment?
The eligibility criteria for the new State Pension age disability payment is pretty much the same as the eligibility criteria for Attendance Allowance. The criteria is that the person claiming the benefit needs to be of State Pension age, they need to have had their health condition for six months or longer and need additional support such as help with getting washed and dressed. The person has a disability or illness.
What is Pension Age Disability Payment?
From 2024, State Pension age disability payment replaced Attendance Allowance for around 150,000 older people in Scotland. This is called Pension Age Disability Payment.