People over State Pension age can claim two new payments starting before end of this year

More than one million people over State Pension age living in Scotland will be able to claim two new devolved benefits starting before the end of this year. Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) will be worth up to £300 per household and is set to replace the annual Winter Fuel Payment, currently delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Under PAWHP, everyone in Scotland who would currently be eligible to receive the Winter Fuel Payment would continue to receive the same level of support, but will be paid Social Security Scotland. The Scottish Government said this payment will continue to be non-means tested and tax free.

The payment guidance has still to be confirmed, but a recent consultation indicated that the amount someone receives will depend on their household circumstances and age. The proposed payment rates are £100, £150, £200 or £300 for individuals, resulting in a typical household of two people generally receiving £200 or £300 in total - examples of payment rates can be found here.

Pension Age Disability Payment

Pension Age Disability Payment will replace Attendance Allowance as part of a phased pilot launch from Autumn 2024 for new claimants, before rolling out nationwide in Spring 2025.

Eligibility and payment rates will be the same as those from the DWP. Pension Age Disability Payment will be worth either £72.65 or £108.55 each week - £290.60 or £434.20 every four-week pay period - and is designed to help older people with additional daily living expenses stay in their own home for longer.

Some 136,252 people living in Scotland already receiving Attendance Allowance from the DWP, will not need to apply for the new benefit and will be transferred in stages to the Social Security Scotland IT system.

Social Security Scotland said it will make decisions about entitlement for Pension Age Disability Payment using the applicant’s account of their circumstances and existing supporting information.

Face-to-face assessments will not be held, examples of supporting information include:

• an occupational therapy assessment

• a report from a district nurse

• information from a partner

Social Security Scotland has also said it will “assume responsibility, where necessary, for gathering information from various sources suggested by the individual.”

Eligibility for Pension Age Disability Payment

The benefit will be for people who meet the following criteria:

• People who are State Pension age and over

• People who have had their condition for at least six months

• People who require additional care

Guidance from Gov.Scot adds: “It is anticipated that eligibility rules for Pension Age Disability Payment will remain broadly similar to Attendance Allowance.”

It also states: “It is our intention that the rate of all forms of disability assistance will remain the same as the current rate of the equivalent UK disability benefit. The rate of assistance will increase in line with inflation each year.”

This migration process from DWP systems for those on Attendance Allowance, along with those on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer's Allowance, will see around 700,000 people move to the new Scottish welfare system by the end of 2025.

Below is an overview of what we know so far about Pension Age Disability Payment, if you need extra help now contact DWP - full details about Attendance Allowance can be found on GOV.UK here.

Pension Age Disability Payment

Attendance Allowance claimants living in Scotland will automatically transfer to the new system, so there’s no need to apply for the devolved benefit. People receiving the financial support in England and Wales will not be affected by the change and will continue to receive regular payments from the DWP.

When will Pension Age Disability Payment replace Attendance Allowance?

Social Security Scotland have not yet set out a specific timetable for the rollout of the Pension Age Disability Payment, however, the pilot scheme will launch in Autumn 2024 with full rollout in early 2025.

Existing claimants who currently receive Attendance Allowance will be transferred to the devolved system in stages after the new benefit has been introduced.

Who will be eligible to make a claim for the Pension Age Disability Payment?

It is anticipated eligibility rules for Pension Age Disability Payment will remain similar to Attendance Allowance. This benefit is for people who are of State Pension age or over, who have had their condition for at least six months and require additional care.

How will claims be assessed?

Social Security Scotland will make decisions about entitlement for Pension Age Disability Payment using the applicant’s account of their circumstances and existing supporting information.

As already mentioned, there will be no face-to-face assessments as part of the application process.

Guidance on the new devolved disability benefits on GOV.SCOT explains: "We are making the application process as simple and easy as possible to encourage and support people to apply for the payments they are entitled to. The application process for disability assistance will be inclusive, accessible, provided in a range of formats and available through a range of routes (online, phone, post and in-person).

"We are making a number of improvements to the application form to include clear guidance on how the eligibility criteria is applied. This will ensure a client is supported in providing relevant information with in-person support available."

Payment rates for Pension Age Disability Payment

Social Security Scotland will provide Pension Age Disability Payment at the same weekly rate as Attendance Allowance. It is also currently doing this for the devolved Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment.

The current weekly payment rates for Attendance Allowance are:

• Lower rate - £72.65

• Higher rate - £108.55

How do I apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment?

You cannot apply for the new disability assistance benefit yet.

Anyone over State Pension age with a disability that means they need assistance with looking after themselves, or supervision to keep them safe, should continue to apply for Attendance Allowance through the DWP.

For the latest updates on the new Disability Assistance being delivered by Social Security Scotland, visit the website here.

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