Pension Age Disability Payment Scotland Guide 2026/27 -- Replacing Attendance Allowance in Scotland

Why Scotland has replaced Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is one of the disability benefits devolved to the Scottish Parliament. Social Security Scotland introduced Pension Age Disability Payment as the Scottish equivalent, taking over new claims for people over State Pension age living in Scotland, with existing Attendance Allowance recipients transferred across in stages as the rollout has progressed.

Who qualifies

To qualify for PADP you generally need to:

• Be over State Pension age when you first claim.
• Need help with personal care (such as washing, dressing or eating), supervision to keep you safe, or be unable to prepare a cooked main meal for yourself because of a physical or mental disability or health condition.
• Have needed that help for at least a set qualifying period before you claim, unless you are terminally ill, in which case the claim is fast-tracked.

Unlike Adult Disability Payment or Personal Independence Payment, there is no mobility component -- PADP is designed around care and supervision needs rather than getting around.

Lower and higher rates

PADP is paid at one of two rates. The lower rate applies if you need frequent help or supervision during the day, or supervision at night. The higher rate applies if you need help or supervision both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill under the Special Rules. Because rates are uprated separately from Attendance Allowance by the Scottish Government, do not assume the two benefits pay identical amounts -- check the current PADP rates on mygov.scot.

How the transfer from Attendance Allowance works

If you already receive Attendance Allowance and live in Scotland, Social Security Scotland transfers your claim automatically once your case is reached in the rollout, writing to you in advance with the details. You do not need to make a new application, and your payment should continue without interruption -- only the paying body changes from the DWP to Social Security Scotland. If you move to Scotland while receiving Attendance Allowance, or move away from Scotland while on PADP, you will need to switch between the two systems since each is only payable to residents of the relevant nation.

Interaction with Pension Credit and Council Tax

PADP is not counted as income for means-tested benefits, so it does not reduce your Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction award. Receiving it can instead passport you to the Severe Disability Premium within Pension Credit or legacy benefits, and to disability-related discounts or, if you live alone, an enhanced single-person discount treatment in some Council Tax Reduction schemes. It is worth applying even if you think your income is too high for other benefits, since PADP itself has no means test.

Applying and challenging a decision

You can apply online, by phone, by post or in person at a Social Security Scotland service centre, and a family member, carer or appointee can apply and manage the claim on your behalf where needed. If you disagree with the decision, you can ask for a redetermination within the time limit shown on your decision letter, and appeal to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland, Social Security Chamber, if the redetermination does not resolve the disagreement.