Moving to Scotland: Disabled Benefits Transfer Guide

Author: Social Security Scotland
Published: 2 Mar 2026 - Updated: 31 Aug 2026
Publication Type: Announcement

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This article provides essential guidance for disabled people and carers who are moving to Scotland from other parts of the UK and need to transition their existing benefits to the Scottish social security system. It covers the critical steps required to apply for Scottish equivalents of Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance, including Pension Age Disability Payment and Scottish Adult DLA, and explains what happens during the 13-week transition period after relocation. The information is particularly valuable for seniors, people with disabilities, and family carers who risk losing vital financial support if they do not act promptly after moving, and it includes direct contact details for Social Security Scotland so readers can access phone, webchat, or face-to-face help with their applications.*

At a Glance

1 - The new rules for Attendance Allowance and DLA began on 23 February. People getting these benefits must apply for the Scottish equivalents after moving.
2 - Similar rules started on 6 November last year for Personal Independence Payment, Carer's Allowance, and child DLA. This staged rollout now covers most disability payments.
3 - Affected people should tell the DWP about their new address before contacting Social Security Scotland. Doing this in the right order helps reduce payment disruption.
4 - Support is available by phone, webchat, or a face-to-face appointment with a community-based advisor. Anyone needing help can call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.

Topic Definition

Pension Age Disability Payment: Pension Age Disability Payment is the benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland for older disabled people who need help with the extra costs that come from a disability or long-term health condition. It is the Scottish replacement for Attendance Allowance, the payment run by the Department for Work and Pensions in the rest of the UK. When someone of pension age who receives Attendance Allowance moves to Scotland, they need to apply for this payment to keep their support going, because Scotland now runs its own social security system separately from Westminster. The payment is built around the stated principles of dignity, fairness, and respect, and Social Security Scotland aims to make sure people receive everything they are entitled to, including backdated money in some cases where an application is made within set timescales.

Overview

Disabled people and carers must take urgent action to prevent loss of support.

Disabled people and carers who move to Scotland from other parts of the UK must take action if they want to continue receiving certain benefits. From 23 February, people getting Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) who move to Scotland need to apply for the Scottish versions of those benefits. Pension Age Disability Payment and Scottish Adult DLA are the equivalents of Attendance Allowance and DLA in Scotland.

To minimize payment disruptions. people affected are being urged to tell the DWP about their change of address as soon as possible after they have moved, and before contacting Social Security Scotland.

Similar rules came into force on 6 November last year for people getting Disability Living Allowance for children, Personal Independence Payment and Carer's Allowance.

Deputy Director of Social Security Scotland Ally MacPhail said:

"The Scottish benefit 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."

"I urge everyone affected by these changes to ensure they apply for the equivalent benefits as soon as possible after they move."

"Our staff can answer questions and help people apply phone, through webchat or through a face-to-face appointment with one of our community-based advisors."

For more information including access to local support services call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.

Note:

The Department for Work and Pensions or Department of Communities in Northern Ireland will continue to pay impacted benefits to someone for 13 weeks after they move to Scotland

People who make a successful application for one of the impacted benefits within specific timescales may be entitled to have their payments backdated to the day after their Department for Work and Pensions benefit ended.

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)

What is the deadline to apply after moving to Scotland

You should apply as soon as possible after you move because the DWP will keep paying the impacted benefit for 13 weeks, and applying within that window helps you avoid a gap in support.

Can my payments be backdated if I apply late

People who make a successful application within specific timescales may have their payments backdated to the day after their DWP benefit ended, so it is worth applying quickly and asking about backdating.

Do I need to tell the DWP before I contact Social Security Scotland

Yes, you should tell the DWP about your change of address as soon as you have moved and before you contact Social Security Scotland, as this order helps reduce disruption to your payments.

What happens to my old benefit while I apply for the Scottish version

The DWP or the Department of Communities in Northern Ireland will continue to pay your impacted benefit for 13 weeks after you move to Scotland, giving you time to apply for the equivalent payment.

Which benefits are affected by the Scottish transfer rules

Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance are affected from 23 February, while Personal Independence Payment, Carer's Allowance, and child DLA were affected from 6 November last year.

How can I get help with my application

Social Security Scotland can help you by phone, through webchat, or through a face-to-face appointment with a community-based advisor, and you can call them on 0800 182 2222.

Does this apply if I move from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland

Yes, these rules apply to disabled people and carers who move to Scotland from other parts of the UK, since Scotland runs its own social security system and pays its own equivalent benefits.

What are the Scottish equivalents of Attendance Allowance and DLA

Pension Age Disability Payment is the Scottish equivalent of Attendance Allowance, and Scottish Adult DLA is the equivalent of Disability Living Allowance for adults.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: As Scotland continues to build its own social security framework separate from the rest of the UK, it is critical that disabled people and carers understand the practical steps required to maintain their financial support when relocating across borders. The differences between DWP-administered benefits and their Scottish equivalents can create real confusion during an already difficult time, and the consequences of missing application deadlines can be severe for individuals who depend on these payments for everyday living. Anyone affected by these changes should contact Social Security Scotland at 0800 182 2222 as soon as possible after moving to ensure continuity of support and explore whether backdated payments may apply to their situation.*

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Social Security Scotland and published on 2 Mar 2026, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.