The Department for Work and Pensions has introduced new rules for people receiving PIP Attendance Allowance or Carer’s Allowance. As part of transferring powers to Scotland anyone who moves there will need to follow different procedures.
The changes started in March after Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance cases finished transferring to Social Security Scotland.
The DWP explained that people receiving Attendance Allowance who move permanently from England or Wales to Scotland must now apply for the Scottish benefit called Pension Age Disability Payment. Those getting Disability Living Allowance who move to Scotland need to contact Social Security Scotland to discuss their eligibility for Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance.
The changes also affect PIP and Carer’s Allowance along with all disability benefits. The Scotland Act 2016 gave Scotland new powers over social security including responsibility for certain benefits.
The Scottish government website states they are using these powers to create a Scottish social security system based on dignity, fairness and respect.
PIP
Social Security Scotland has now transferred all cases that were expected to move from PIP to Adult Disability Payment.
From 6 November 2025, anyone in Scotland receiving PIP must submit a new application for Adult Disability Payment.
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Carer’s Allowance
Social Security Scotland has transferred all cases expected to move from Carer’s Allowance to Carer Support Payment.
You should contact Social Security Scotland if you have not received a letter explaining that your benefit is moving from Carer’s Allowance to Carer Support Payment.
Attendance Allowance
A new Scottish benefit called Pension Age Disability Payment is replacing Attendance Allowance in Scotland as part of Scottish devolution. From the end of March, Attendance Allowance awards will begin automatically moving to Pension Age Disability Payment.
Disability Living Allowance
If you live in Scotland and still receive Disability Living Allowance, Social Security Scotland has now selected all cases expected to move from Disability Living Allowance to Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance. Contact Social Security Scotland if you have not received a letter explaining that your benefit is moving to Social Security Scotland.
