Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Work is underway to transition the benefits of more than 66,000 people in Scotland by the end of the year, as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults is replaced by a new Scottish benefit.
The move to Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance will see payments managed by Social Security Scotland instead of the Department for Work and Pensions.
There will be no disruption to payments or reductions in support during the transfer and people currently receiving DLA do not need to take any action, as the transfer will happen automatically.
Social Security Scotland will notify individuals by letter when their benefit is being moved and again once the process is complete. Transfers are expected to take between four and eight weeks.
Key Facts About Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
- Introduced on 21 March 2025, Scottish Adult DLA provides support for adults who were still receiving DLA at that time. It is not open to new applications.
- After completing their transfer, people born after 8 April 1948 can apply for Adult Disability Payment if they choose.
- Social Security Scotland advises seeking independent guidance before switching, as some people may be better off staying on Scottish Adult DLA.
- Once a person moves to Adult Disability Payment, they cannot return to Scottish Adult DLA.
- Adults of working age who need disability support for the first time can apply for Adult Disability Payment.
- Pensioners can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment, which replaces Attendance Allowance in most of Scotland.
- Where Pension Age Disability Payment is not yet available, pensioners can still apply for Attendance Allowance through the Department for Work and Pensions.
