Adult Disability Payment in Scotland (vs PIP)
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In short. Adult Disability Payment (ADP) replaced PIP for new claims in Scotland from August 2022. The rates and overall structure mirror PIP, but the decision-making process is led by Social Security Scotland rather than DWP, with no face-to-face assessment by default, no '20-metre rule' enforcement in the same way, and the right to bring a supporter to any consultation. Existing PIP claimants in Scotland have been transferred to ADP in stages.
ADP is administered by Social Security Scotland under the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018. Same daily-living and mobility components, same broad qualifying criteria, but a more claimant-centred process.
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ADP rates 2025/26 (weekly)
- Daily living, standard — £73.90
- Daily living, enhanced — £110.40
- Mobility, standard — £29.20
- Mobility, enhanced — £77.05
- Rates match PIP and uprate together each April
What's different from PIP
- Decisions made by Social Security Scotland (not DWP)
- No face-to-face medical assessment unless the case adviser believes one is essential — decisions can be made on the application form, supporting evidence and a telephone or video consultation
- Mandatory 'redetermination' stage before any tribunal appeal — Social Security Scotland review the decision in full
- Supporters can attend any consultation and speak on the claimant's behalf
- Existing supporting evidence (GP letters, hospital reports) is gathered by Social Security Scotland with consent rather than left to the claimant to assemble
How to claim
- Apply at mygov.scot/adult-disability-payment, by phone on 0800 182 2222, in person at a local delivery centre, or by post
- Free, independent help with the application is available from Citizens Advice Scotland
- Decisions typically issued within 8–12 weeks (varies)
- Payments backdated to the date of the application if successful
FAQ
- I'm already on PIP and live in Scotland — do I need to apply for ADP?
- No. Social Security Scotland is migrating PIP claimants to ADP automatically; you will be written to before the transfer with no break in payments.
- What if I move from England to Scotland (or vice versa)?
- Moving to Scotland means a transfer to ADP; moving to England, Wales or NI means a transfer to PIP. Each agency handles the transfer; payment continuity is maintained.
- Are the qualifying criteria the same?
- Yes — the daily-living and mobility activities and descriptors mirror PIP. The differences are in process, not entitlement.