IN Scotland, the disability benefit Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is currently being replaced by the Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
While the payments are fairly similar, there are some key differences.
Here's everything you need to know.
What is PIP?
The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that can help with extra living costs if you have both of the following:
- A long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
- Difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition
It comes in two parts: a daily living part (if you need help with everyday tasks) and a mobility part (if you need help with getting around). You're awarded a certain number of points based on how difficult you find different tasks.
PIP is administered by the UK Government's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP is also responsible for other benefits, such as Universal Credit.
PIP is not linked to unemployment, meaning you can claim it if you're working, have savings or are in receipt of (most) other benefits. Click here to find out more about eligibility.
What are the current PIP rates?
How much PIP you get depends on what you score in both the daily living and mobility parts of the assessment.
To qualify for the standard rate of both components, you must score between 8 and 11 points. To qualify for the enhanced rate, you must score 12 points or more.
The current rates for each element are below.
Daily living:
- Standard weekly rate: £73.90
- Enhanced weekly rate: £110.40
Mobility:
- Standard weekly rate: £29.20
- Enhanced weekly rate: £77.05
What is ADP?
The Adult Disability Payment (ADP) is the equivalent of PIP in Scotland.
The process for applying for ADP is similar to that of PIP. It is awarded using the same points-based system, and the questions asked during the application are almost identical.
ADP is a devolved Scottish benefit, meaning that it is only available in Scotland and is overseen by Social Security Scotland, an executive agency of the Scottish Government.
What are the current ADP rates?
The current ADP rates are exactly the same as those for PIP.
Daily living:
- Standard weekly rate: £73.90
- Enhanced weekly rate: £110.40
Mobility:
- Standard weekly rate: £29.20
- Enhanced weekly rate: £77.05
Does PIP still exist in Scotland?
Yes, PIP is still being claimed by a limited number of people in Scotland.
In 2022, the Scottish Government began transferring people who were on PIP over to ADP.
For new claimants in Scotland, it is now only possible to apply for ADP.
The process of transferring people over to ADP has not yet been completed. According to the latest Scottish Government statistics as of April 2025, 99% of those who were in receipt of PIP have now been transferred over to ADP.
This means that there are still a limited number of people in Scotland in receipt of PIP.
The UK Government states that this is expected to be done by "spring 2025", although the Scottish Government has said "the end of 2025".
The process of transferring from PIP to ADP is done automatically and will not require a new application, although you will need to inform the DWP of any changes to your condition during the transfer process.
Anyone affected by the change should have already received a letter, and you will be contacted again once the transfer is complete to let you know how much you will be awarded. More information on the transfer process can be found here.
If you move from Scotland to England or Wales, you will need to make a new claim for PIP.
What are the key differences between PIP and ADP?
There are some similarities between PIP and ADP, such as the rate at which you are paid and the questions you are asked during the application process.
However, there are also a couple of key differences:
- Approach: ADP tends to take a more person-centred approach to the application and assessment process than PIP. While PIP is often criticised for being dismissive and challenging of a person's condition, ADP is intended to be more compassionate and is designed on the basis that it believes what applicants are reporting about their condition
- Assessment: There tend to be fewer assessments (sometimes referred to as consultations) with ADP than PIP, with decisions being based more on medical evidence and the application form that is filled out. While face-to-face assessments can sometimes happen if deemed necessary, they are intended to be carried out in a manner that is respectful and understanding of the applicant's condition. For PIP, assessments - both in person and via phone - are a routine part of the application process and are often carried out by private companies
How do you apply for disability benefits in Scotland?
When you apply for disability benefits in Scotland, you must apply for ADP. It is no longer possible to apply for PIP in Scotland.
You can apply for ADP online, by phone and by paper.
It involves submitting two parts, which you have to send within a certain timeframe.
Click here to find out more information.
