People on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance for Children (DLAc) and Carer’s Allowance who permanently move to Scotland must now make new claims for equivalent Scottish benefits
The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has confirmed that new regulations are now in effect for individuals living in England or Wales who receive Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ), Disability Living Allowance for Children (DLAc), and Carer’s Allowance, who permanently move to Scotland.
Prior to November 6, claimants’ cases were automatically transferred to Social Security Scotland, which then disbursed the equivalent devolved benefit. These claimants were not required to submit a new claim.
However, following the completion of case transfers to Social Security Scotland at the end of last year, individuals who permanently move from England or Wales to Scotland must now submit a new claim for the equivalent Scottish benefit.
From this spring, individuals receiving Attendance Allowance who move to Scotland will also need to apply for Pension Age Disability Payment.
To avoid disruptions in payments, individuals are encouraged to apply for the replacement benefits – Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment, and Carer Support Payment – as soon as possible after relocating, reports the Daily Record.
Before applying to Social Security Scotland, individuals must inform the DWP or the Department of Communities in Northern Ireland about their relocation.
Older individuals on DLA will also need to notify their benefit provider and contact Social Security Scotland to request Scottish Adult DLA.
Karyn Dunning, deputy director at Social Security Scotland, 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 keep paying PIP, DLA for children and Carer’s Allowance for 13 weeks following a move to Scotland.
The push to apply early stems from processing timescales, aiming to prevent any gaps in payments when transferring between welfare systems.
Those who successfully apply for a devolved disability benefit might qualify to have their payments backdated to the day following the end of their DWP benefit. Further details on relocating to Scotland and applying for devolved benefits can be found on MYGOV.SCOT or by contacting Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.