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Thomson Welcomes Roll-Out of Adult Disability Payment to Aberdeenshire
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has welcomed the launch of the Scottish Government’s Adult Disability Payment in Aberdeenshire.
This means the Adult Disability Payment is now available in 13 council areas ahead of opening nationwide at the end of next month.
It is the twelfth and most complex benefit to be delivered by the Scottish Government and replaces the UK Government’s Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The benefit provides financial support to people aged between 16 and state pension age, who are disabled, have a long-term health condition or have a terminal illness.
People already receiving the UK Government’s Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance do not need to make an application for Adult Disability Payment.
These existing awards will transfer automatically from the DWP to Social Security Scotland. Cases will transfer in stages starting from this summer and this process is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Commenting, Richard Thomson MP said:
“Since the Social Security Act was passed in 2018, the Scottish Government has built a brand-new social security system from scratch - one that has the principles of dignity, fairness and respect at its heart. I’m pleased that it’s using these new powers to make a real difference to families across Scotland.
“This is an investment in our people, and in Scotland’s future - and stands in stark contrast to the ethos coming from UK Ministers, who have presided over a decade of cuts in support of the very people who need it most, and the frankly disgusting treatment of people with disabilities - as well as policies like the Bedroom Tax and the abhorrent Rape Clause.
“The Scottish Government listened carefully to those who receive support, as well as the people and the organisations supporting them - and will build on what has already been delivered with even more ambitious plans.
“I am therefore very pleased the Adult Disability Payment has now been extended to include Aberdeenshire as this is an important financial support to provide security and help people live well.”
Background:
Adult Disability Payment is being introduced in pilot areas ahead of opening nationwide on 29 August.
Adult Disability Payment opened for applications in Dundee, Perth, and the Western Isles in March and Angus, North Lanarkshire, and South Lanarkshire in June.
Over 300,000 people will be part of the case transfer from Personal Independence Payment to Adult Disability Payment.
Around 39,000 people are currently in receipt of Working Age Disability Living Allowance. When Adult Disability Payment is nationwide at the end of August, where someone reports a relevant change, or their award is due to be renewed, or they request to transfer, their case will be transferred to Adult Disability Payment on a like-for-like basis. Their award will then be reviewed in line with the usual Adult Disability Payment rules after the transfer completes.
The advocacy service provided by VoiceAbility is entirely independent of the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland. This can be accessed by contacting VoiceAbility directly for free on 0300 303 1660 or by visiting www.voiceability.org
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