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Moving to Scotland? Disabled People Must Act on Benefits

Author: Social Security Scotland
Published: 2026/03/02
Publication Type: Announcement
Category Topic: UK Disability Pension - Related Publications

Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

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 - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

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.

Main Content

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.

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 - Disabled World (DW).

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 2026/03/02, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

Related Publications

: Disabled people and carers moving to Scotland must apply for Scottish benefit equivalents to avoid losing Attendance Allowance and DLA support.

: When we look at facts surrounding British welfare provision towards disability today, we can highlight a number of falsehoods and half-truths that have been consistently used to sell welfare benefit change to the British public.

: Statistics show the average amount paid from Defined Benefit schemes will reach the highest ever level this year and the amount will fall thereafter.

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APA: Social Security Scotland. (2026, March 2). Moving to Scotland? Disabled People Must Act on Benefits. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved March 25, 2026 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/social-security/uk/scottish-disabled.php
MLA: Social Security Scotland. "Moving to Scotland? Disabled People Must Act on Benefits." Disabled World (DW), 2 Mar. 2026. Web. 25 Mar. 2026. <www.disabled-world.com/disability/social-security/uk/scottish-disabled.php>.
Chicago: Social Security Scotland. "Moving to Scotland? Disabled People Must Act on Benefits." Disabled World (DW). March 2, 2026. www.disabled-world.com/disability/social-security/uk/scottish-disabled.php.

While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date information, our content is for general informational purposes only. Please consult qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.