Positive changes implemented by the Scottish Government to the assessment process for Adult Disability Payment, which will replace the Personal Independence Payment for Scottish claimants in Spring 2022 have been welcomed by Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Emma Roddick.

Emma Roddick said:

“It is universally acknowledged by key stakeholders, such as Scottish Association for Mental Health, that the current assessment process for the Personal Independence Payment is failing claimants, especially those with mental health issues.

“The changes to the assessment process implemented by the Scottish Government amount to a significant positive change in course before eligibility is even considered, and signals a move away in our benefits assessment process from a Tory approach which seeks to penalise disabled people and gatekeep as many of them as possible from the benefits they are rightfully entitled to.

“As a PIP claimant myself who knows how arduous and even traumatic its application process is, I am delighted to see these changes made for ADP. This will transform thousands of lives and make sure people with mental illness are not turned away at the door.”

The Adult Disability Payment (ADP), will open for new applications in pilot areas from 21 March 2022.

Social Security Scotland, will replace Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is currently delivered by the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), with the new payment.

Individuals with ongoing awards of PIP or DLA do not need to apply for Adult Disability Payment. Their awards will be transferred automatically to the new Scottish system from August 2022, with no break in entitlement or payment.

Also introduced is a new definition of terminal illness. The time requirement is removed that a person must reasonably be expected to die within six months and instead using the clinical judgement of doctors and registered nurses involved in the individual’s care.

Links:

• Child Poverty Action Disability Assistance
• Citizens Advice Scotland
• Independent Living