Older people with disabilities in Orkney have received over £110,000 from a new payment in Scotland.  

Pension Age Disability Payment is for people of State Pension age who have care needs because of a disability, long-term health condition or terminal illness. It is worth between £295 and £441 a month depending on the needs of the person who gets it. 

The payment became available across Scotland in April 2025 and the latest figures show that, since launch, 65 people in Orkney have received vital support from Pension Disability Payment totalling over £110,000.  

Pension Age Disability Payment replaces the UK Government’s Attendance Allowance, delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions. 

People currently getting Attendance Allowance do not need to take any action. The transfer of their award to Social Security Scotland is happening automatically in phases throughout 2025. Everyone will continue to receive their payments on time and in the right amount.     

People who have been diagnosed as terminally ill can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment via a fast-tracked application process under the Special Rules for Terminal Illness. 

Gayle Devlin, Deputy Director Disability Operations at Social Security Scotland said:  

“It’s important that older people get the financial support that they are entitled to, particularly if they have extra costs due to long-term health conditions. Some of these conditions include arthritis, dementia and cancer.  

“Pension Age Disability Payment is available across Scotland and I would encourage anyone who thinks they could be eligible to apply.”  

People can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment online, over the phone, by post or in person. Appointments can be arranged with community-based advisors who can help people apply, meeting them at a time and place that suits them.

There is a fast-track application process for people who are terminally ill. More information can be found at: mygov.scot/terminal-illness/how-to-apply

More information about Pension Age Disability Payment including who is eligible and how to apply can be found at: mygov.scot/pensiondisability    

---