Pension Age Disability Payment (Scotland) - How do I claim Pension Age Disability Payment

Pension Age Disability Payment is currently only available in Argyll and Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City, Orkney and Shetland for now. It will be introduced to new areas in March 2025, and be available across Scotland in April 2025.

The application for Pension Age Disability Payment usually has two parts. After completing Part 1 of your application, you normally have 8 weeks to finish Part 2. If needed, you can ask for more time. You can submit Part 2 even if you're still waiting for supporting information, and then provide any supporting documents within 28 days of submitting Part 2.

You can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment:

• Online, by making an application at mygov.scot
• Over the phone, by calling 0800 182 2222
• By post, by requesting a paper application via 0800 182 2222
• British Sign Language users can use the video relay service via contactSCOTLAND.

If English is not your first language, you can call Social Security Scotland to make an application in over 100 languages. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, from 8:00am to 6:00pm.

What documents will I need to claim Pension Age Disability Payment?

When you apply for Pension Age Disability Payment, you’ll need to provide supporting information. This can include information from a professional such as a doctor, paid carer, or social worker. It doesn’t have to be a formal diagnosis. Examples include:

• A letter or report from a GP, social worker, consultant or carer.
• Treatment plans
• Prescription list
• Appointment or referral letter
• A statement of support in your application form, written by a professional.

You can also include evidence from your wider support network, such as a family members or friends. Examples include:

• Letters from friends or family
• Information provided verbally over the phone.
• A statement of support in your application form, written by someone who is not a professional

Your application should be supported with evidence from a professional, however if you cannot provide this then Social Security Scotland will establish ‘good cause’ for you not to provide it. This can be due to your age or your access to records and health professionals.

Social Security Scotland can also help you gather supporting documentation if you request it.

When will my Pension Age Disability Payment claim begin?

The start date of your Pension Age Disability Payment depends on how you apply:

• If you request a paper application, Social Security Scotland will encourage you to complete the first part of your application over the phone. This will lock in your application date, and if your claim is successful, your payments will be backdated to this date.
• If you complete the entire application by post, your application date will be the day Social Security Scotland receives your completed form. If your claim is successful, your payments will be backdated to this date.