Social Security Scotland is taking over the administration and payment of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This means from Spring 2025, everyone currently on DLA who lives in Scotland will transfer automatically to a new benefit called Scottish Adult DLA (SADLA) – even if they have an ongoing, indefinite award from the DWP.
The benefit will not be open to new applicants and is only available to people who are over 18, already get DLA from DWP and live in Scotland. Social Security Scotland said the move will happen in stages and will not happen to everyone at the same time.
However, some people on DLA will move to Adult Disability Payment (ADP), the benefit replacing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland. If you were born on or after April 8, 1948, your DLA award will move to ADP if you report a change to your disability or health condition, you ask to move to ADP or your DLA award is ending or due a review.
Transfers to Adult Disability Payment will continue until Scottish Adult DLA launches in 2025. Social Security Scotland will write to all DLA claimants to let them know when it is time for them to move to Scottish Adult DLA and anything they need to do.
As already mentioned, people on DLA will only be able to apply for ADP if there is a change in their health condition. Full details about the move can be found on the mygov.scot website here.
DLA payments
You will keep getting your regular DLA payments from DWP until your benefit moves to Social Security Scotland.
There will be no gap in your entitlement and you will be paid the same amount when your benefit moves to Scottish Adult DLA.
Motability payments will move automatically
If you have a Motability lease, DWP will continue to pay your lease until the move to Social Security Scotland is complete.
Social Security Scotland will automatically take over any payments to Motability after the move – this means there will be no gap in your Motability payments.
Get support from an independent advocate
Independent advocates are available to help you with the process of having your benefit moved to Social Security Scotland.
The Independent Advocacy Service is provided by VoiceAbility.
If you need an advocate, you should:
- contact Social Security Scotland for free on 0800 182 2222
- ask them to refer you to the Independent Advocacy Service
Full contact details can be found here.