The DWP has confirmed new rules for people on disability benefits but some people might see ‘gaps in payments’
New rules confirmed by the DWP could affect how many Brits claim their benefits. The changes came into force on February 23, 2026, with many likely to see differences in how support is assessed.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that new regulations are now in force for residents of England or Wales receiving Attendance Allowance (AA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) who relocate to Scotland. The changes took effect last month following the completion of AA and DLA case transfers to Social Security Scotland.
The DWP said: “AA 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).
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Prior to February 23 2026, people receiving Attendance Allowance and DLA who made a permanent move from England or Wales to Scotland had their cases automatically transferred to the corresponding benefit managed and provided by Social Security Scotland.
The modification means the regulations now extend to all recipients of DWP-administered disability benefits who relocate permanently from England or Wales to Scotland. This encompasses Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance for Children (DLAc) and Carer’s Allowance, reports the Daily Record.
To reduce the risk of payment interruptions, people are being encouraged to apply for the replacement benefits – Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment and Carer Support Payment – at the earliest opportunity following their move. Prior to submitting an application to Social Security Scotland, people must notify the DWP or Department of Communities in Northern Ireland about their relocation.
Elderly recipients of DLA will also need to contact their benefit provider and reach out to Social Security Scotland to apply for Scottish Adult DLA. Karyn Dunning, deputy director at Social Security Scotland, recently 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.
“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.”
It’s crucial to understand that the DWP and Department of Communities in Northern Ireland will continue to provide PIP, DLA for children and Carer’s Allowance to a person for 13 weeks following their move to Scotland. The advice to apply early stems from the time required to process claims, helping to reduce any gaps in payments between welfare agencies.
Those who successfully apply for a devolved disability benefit may be eligible to have their payments backdated to the day after their DWP benefit ceased. Further information on relocating to Scotland and claiming devolved benefits can be found on MYGOV.SCOT or by contacting Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.


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