If you live in Scotland and are disabled or have a long-term health condition, you may be eligible for Adult Disability Payment (ADP). Find out how to apply, how much you could receive, and how ADP interacts with other benefits and employment.
Adult Disability Payment (ADP) is a government-awarded benefit offered to working-age adults living in Scotland. The benefit is designed to support people with disability or long-term health conditions and is split into two parts: mobility and daily living. Some people may receive money just for mobility or just for daily living, while others may receive both.
ADP started to replace Personal Independence Payment (PIP) back in 2022. Most people who were receiving PIP before the change will have been contacted about moving over to ADP.
If you’re already receiving PIP but haven’t had a letter through about ADP, you should reach out to Social Security Scotland via their web chat.
Not received disability benefit before? You may be eligible for ADP if you live in Scotland, are of working age (between the ages of 16 and 66) and have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a terminal illness that affects your life on a daily basis. To be considered long-term, your condition or disability needs to:
If you regularly struggle with things like eating, washing, dressing, communicating, managing your health, or handling money, the daily living payment can help.
Find getting around or planning journeys difficult? The mobility payment is available if you face mobility challenges or have trouble organising your travel.
You don’t need to have a formal diagnosis to receive ADP, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re employed or unemployed – if you meet the criteria and need support, you can apply.
Recently moved away? You may still be able to get ADP if you’ve moved outside of Scotland. Use the mygov.scot website to find out more info on benefits if you leave Scotland to live abroad.
Although a formal diagnosis isn’t required, to apply for Adult Disability Payment, you’ll need to provide some evidence confirming your condition, disability, or needs.
This can be a letter from a professional, official documents like prescriptions or care plans, or workplace adjustment letters from HR.
You can also submit information that shows how your conditions impact your daily life, either through contact from someone in your support network who knows you well or additional professional documentation.
Social Security Scotland can provide specific guidance if you’re not sure what documentation to submit.
You only need to apply once to be considered for both the daily living and mobility components of ADP. If your application is successful, you’ll receive:
Daily living: £73.90 per week for the standard rate or £110.40 per week for the enhanced rate
Mobility: £29.20 per week for the standard rate or £77.05 per week for the enhanced rate
The amount you receive will depend on the complexity and severity of the challenges you face as a result of your condition.
If you get Adult Disability Payment in Scotland, it won’t reduce your Universal Credit. In fact, it can actually protect you from certain deductions and prevent non-dependents (adults you live with who aren’t financially dependent on you) from affecting your rent support.
No. Because ADP isn’t means tested (i.e. isn’t dependent on your income and finances), it doesn’t stop you from working and isn’t affected by how much you earn or have saved.
No. But it’s important to be aware that if your job shows your condition has significantly improved, it might trigger a review of your claim. If your daily living or mobility needs change, Social Security Scotland may reassess whether you still qualify for the payment.
This is up to you. You have no legal obligation to tell your employer that you receive ADP or have a disability. However, since all employers are legally required to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees under the Equality Act 2010, being open about your long-term health condition or disability can help to ensure you get the support you need to do your job effectively.
Whether you’re an employer looking to hire disabled staff or an employee with a disability, it’s important to stay clued up on support options. The following should be considered in all workplaces:
Reasonable Adjustments: Reasonable adjustments are simple accommodations that help to ensure the workplace is fair and accessible. These can be things like flexible working hours, extra breaks for disabled staff, 1:1 support, simple adaptations to the building, or delivering instructions in a range of different formats. Since they are legally required, failing to make adjustments may result in disability discrimination claims.
Access to Work Grant: This government grant can help to cover costs for workplace adjustments and specialist equipment that go beyond DSE or basic adaptations to the work environment. The grant may be used for things like interpreters, vehicle adaptations, specialist software for note-taking, or hands-free dictation. Although costs may need to be paid upfront by the employer or employee, they can be claimed back.
If you’re an employer and would like to understand more about supporting staff with disabilities or long-term health conditions, take a look at our blog: What is a Workplace Needs Assessment?
Need more help with an ADP application? Head to Social Security Scotland’s help page to find out about applying over the phone in another language or getting someone to make an application for you.
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