Pensions explained
Pension Age Disability Payment: Extra Help in Scotland
Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) helps with care needs caused by disability or a long-term health condition after State Pension age. It replaces Attendance Allowance in Scotland and is separate from State Pension and Pension Credit.
Scotland · Care support after State Pension age
2 min read · By Pension Bible editorial team · Sources checked
Official PADP eligibility checker →
In this guide
What does PADP pay?
The current lower rate is £76.70 a week and the higher rate is £114.60. The care-needs conditions determine which rate applies; it is not a calculation based on pension income. PADP is not means-tested.
You do not need to have someone already providing care. The question is the help or supervision needed. A diagnosis alone does not decide the award.
Check the care period and residence rules
The ordinary qualifying conditions include reaching State Pension age and care needs lasting six months. An application can still be made before six months have elapsed; if successful, the award begins when the required period is met. A diagnosis is not always needed, and terminal illness has a separate faster route.
Care-home funding, moving to Scotland and some overseas circumstances need specific checks. Do not infer eligibility merely from age or a Scottish address. The official eligibility checker and application guidance handle these distinctions.
Source: mygov.scot — who can apply.
Already receiving a disability benefit?
Attendance Allowance and PADP cannot be paid together. Existing Attendance Allowance recipients in Scotland are transferred by Social Security Scotland; follow the transfer letter rather than applying again or asking DWP to stop payment.
If you already receive Adult Disability Payment, reaching State Pension age does not automatically move you to PADP. Check the rules for the benefit you actually receive, especially after a move or change in circumstances.
Source: mygov.scot — existing Attendance Allowance and Adult Disability Payment.
Application preparation checklist
Gather examples of the help needed during the day and night, including how needs vary. Use this checklist to prepare for the application.
- Identity and payment details for the official service, including any relevant periods away.
- When the care needs began and examples of how they affect ordinary activities.
- Current medication, treatments, equipment and relevant care records.
- Contact details for professionals and others who understand the care needs.
- Available supporting information; ask Social Security Scotland about help obtaining it if necessary.
Source: mygov.scot — application information and supporting evidence.
Complete the official application and keep the deadlines
The application has two parts. After part 1, the ordinary deadline for part 2 is 56 days; contact Social Security Scotland if more time is needed. Supporting information can follow within 28 days of submitting part 2. Check the current official instructions for your case.
You can apply online or use the phone-and-paper route linked below.
Source: mygov.scot — what you need and application deadlines.