Scotland Disability Benefits: New Rules for UK Movers
Author: Social Security Scotland
Published: 2025/11/03
Publication Type: Announcement
Category Topic: European Disability News - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This information from Social Security Scotland provides essential guidance for disabled individuals and carers relocating to Scotland from other UK regions, detailing the transition process from Department for Work and Pensions benefits to Scotland's replacement programs administered by Social Security Scotland. Beginning November 6th, recipients of Personal Independence Payment, DLA for children, and Carer's Allowance must apply for their Scottish equivalents - Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, and Carer Support Payment - with a 13-week grace period following notification of their move.
The information proves particularly valuable for vulnerable populations managing complex life transitions, as it clarifies critical timelines, backdating provisions, and the upcoming spring changes affecting Attendance Allowance recipients, while emphasizing Scotland's dignity-focused approach that eliminates private sector assessors and offers multiple support channels including phone assistance, webchat, and face-to-face appointments with community advisors - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
New Disability and Carers Benefit Rules for Moving to Scotland From Elsewhere in The UK
The Department for Work and Pensions or Department of Communities in Northern Ireland will continue to pay PIP, DLA for children and Carer's Allowance to someone for 13 weeks after they move to Scotland
People who make a successful application for Child Disability Payment, Adult Disability Payment or Carer Support Payment within specific timescales may be entitled to have their payments backdated to the day after their Department for Work and Pensions benefit ended.
From Spring next year, people getting Attendance Allowance who move to Scotland will also need to inform the Department for Work and Pensions or Department for Communities about their move and apply for Pension Age Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland. People getting DLA will also need to inform their benefit provider and get in touch with Social Security Scotland to request Scottish Adult DLA.
Main Content
Disabled people and carers who move to Scotland from other parts of the UK must take action if they want to continue receiving financial support.
The Scottish Government has introduced replacements for Personal Independence Payment, DLA for children and Carer's Allowance.
From November 6th, anyone getting one of these benefits who moves to Scotland will need to apply for the replacement benefits from Social Security Scotland.
To minimize payment disruptions, applications for the replacement benefits - Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment and Carer Support Payment - should be made as soon as possible after the move.
Before applying to Social Security Scotland, people must tell the Department for Work and Pensions or Department of Communities in Northern Ireland about their move.
Social Security Scotland's deputy director Karyn Dunning said:
"It's vital disabled people and carers who move to Scotland take action to ensure they continue to get the financial support they are entitled to."
"We know applying for benefits can feel daunting, especially alongside moving to a new country, but there is an in-depth guide available on mygov.scot"
"Our staff are also here to answer questions and help people apply. We can provide help over the phone, through webchat or through a face-to-face appointment with one of our community-based advisors."
"I urge people not to put off applying. The Scottish approach to benefits is very different from that of the DWP. For example, we do not use private sector assessors to make decisions."
"Our 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."
For more information visit mygov.scot/moving-to-scotland or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: Scotland's departure from the DWP model represents a meaningful policy experiment in social welfare administration, one that prioritizes human dignity over bureaucratic gatekeeping. For those navigating the already considerable challenges of relocation while managing disability or caregiving responsibilities, these procedural requirements add another layer of complexity - yet the 13-week buffer and backdating provisions suggest genuine consideration for real-world circumstances. Whether Scotland's alternative approach delivers on its promises of fairness and accessibility will ultimately be measured not in policy documents but in the lived experiences of those it serves - 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 2025/11/03, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.