Child disability payment opens across Scotland

Child disability payment, administered by Social Security Scotland, has opened for new applications.

The new payment, which replaces the UK Government’s disability living allowance for children, is the first of three complex disability benefits to be introduced by the Scottish Government. It provides families with support for extra care and mobility costs that a disabled child might have, up to the age of 18. The national rollout follows pilots in Dundee City, Perth & Kinross and the Western Isles.

For the first time, disability benefit applicants can apply online, as well as by phone, post or face to face.

Those already receiving disability living allowance for children do not need to apply. These approximately 52,000 current cases are being automatically transferred in phases from the Department for Work & Pensions to Social Security Scotland. This will be completed by spring 2023. Recipients aged 16 or over and those with a terminal illness are being selected first.

Awards will continue to be made at the same rates as previous disability living allowance for children payments, and the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that there is no break in entitlement.

Adult disability payment will be introduced in 2022.

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson commented: "This is a significant milestone in the introduction of our new social security system. Families who find themselves in need of support will be able to access this help in a way that suits them best.

"Those who currently receive disability living allowance for children from the DWP will also be transferred to Social Security Scotland. They will be told when this is happening and will find their payments transferred safely and securely within the next 18 months. Payments will be made at the same rate and there will be no break in entitlement.

"In the months and years ahead thousands of families will benefit from our simplified and much less stressful system, which will treat everyone with dignity, fairness and respect."

People can find out more and apply through mygov.scot or by calling 0800 182 2222.