The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a crucial warning to disability benefit claimants planning a move from England or Wales to Scotland. A significant rule change means the automatic transition process to devolved Scottish benefits has now officially ended.
What This Means for Claimants
Previously, cases would be automatically transferred to Social Security Scotland when individuals relocated north of the border. Under the new system, this is no longer the case. To maintain financial support without interruption, claimants must proactively submit fresh applications for the Scottish equivalents of their current benefits.
Essential Steps to Take
If you are planning a move to Scotland, there are several important actions you must take:
- Notify the DWP: Before relocating, you must inform the DWP of your move. If you are moving from Northern Ireland, you should contact the Department for Communities.
- Apply Promptly: Once you have moved to Scotland, you should immediately apply for the replacement benefits through Social Security Scotland. This includes Adult Disability Payment, which replaces Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Carer Support Payment, the equivalent of Carer's Allowance.
Key Details of the New Rules
Understanding the specifics of these changes is vital to ensure you do not experience a gap in your financial support.
13-Week Transition Period
To assist during the relocation process, the DWP will continue to pay certain benefits for a limited time. For a period of 13 weeks after you move to Scotland, payments for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children, or Carer's Allowance will continue. This provides a crucial window to submit your new application.
Changes to Attendance Allowance
From Spring 2026, these changes will also affect those receiving Attendance Allowance. Individuals moving to Scotland will need to apply for its Scottish replacement, Pension Age Disability Payment, to ensure their payments continue without disruption.
Backdating of Successful Claims
There is some positive news regarding the timing of payments. If your application for a devolved Scottish benefit is successful, payments can be backdated. They will be backdated to the day after your previous DWP benefit ended, provided you submitted your application within the required timeframe.
A Different Approach in Scotland
Social Security Scotland operates under a distinct set of principles compared to the DWP. The Scottish system emphasises dignity, fairness, and respect in its processes. A notable difference is that Social Security Scotland does not utilise private sector assessors to make decisions on benefit eligibility, aiming for a more claimant-centred approach.
This rule change underscores the importance of being proactive and well-informed when moving between different benefit jurisdictions within the UK. Failure to apply for the new Scottish benefits could result in a significant interruption to essential financial support.
