Pension Age Disability Payment
What is it?
Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) is a benefit for people over state pension age, living in Scotland, who need help with personal care or supervision because of illness or disability.
Am I eligible?
You need to have had the illness or disability for at least six months however if you are terminally ill you can apply straight away.
If you are below state pension age you may be able to claim Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
Pension Age Disability Payment is paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability.
Low rate: £73.90 per week
High rate: £110.40 per week
It does not cover mobility needs.
Who pays it?
Social Security Scotland (SSS).
How do I apply?
You can call 0800 182 2222 to request a claim form which will be posted out to you.
Alternatively, you can apply online.
Is it National Insurance based?
No.
Is it means-tested?
No.
How long does it last?
Awards can be made for a limited or open-ended period. It stops after four weeks in a hospital or care home.
Please note - this can be cumulative. For example, one week then a break, then two weeks then a break, then one week = 28 days.
It is important to keep track of this as overpayments can result if the DWP are not advised in time.
Any effect on other benefits?
It can, in some cases, lead to extra premiums being included in the calculation of entitlement to Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.
Is it taxable?
No.
Are there any dependant's additions?
No, however a carer may be able to claim Carer's Allowance for someone receiving PADP (seek advice before claiming this as it can affect the disabled person's benefits).
Is it payable in the European Union?
Specific advice is available from the Overseas Benefits Directorate, 0191 213 5000.
Can I challenge the decision?
You can challenge a decision about PADP if you are unhappy with it.
Find out how to challenge a decision.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.
Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension.
What you'll get
Pension Credit tops up:
- your weekly income to £227.10 if you’re single
- your joint weekly income to £346.60 if you have a partner
You may get extra amounts if you have other responsibilities and costs.
The top up and extra amounts are known as ‘Guarantee Credit’.
Eligibility
You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit.
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you and your family usually also need settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to get Pension Credit.
If you have a partner you must include your partner on your application.
You’ll be eligible if either:
- you and your partner have both reached State Pension age
- one of you is getting Housing Benefit for people over State Pension age
A partner is either:
- your husband, wife or civil partner - if you live with them
- someone you live with as a couple, without being married or in a civil partnership
When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together.
Pension Credit tops up:
- your weekly income to £227.10 if you’re single
- your joint weekly income to £346.60 if you have a partner
If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
Your income includes:
- State Pension
- other pensions
- earnings from employment and self-employment
- most social security benefits, for example Carer’s Allowance
Not all benefits are counted as income. For example, the following are not counted:
- Adult Disability Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Christmas Bonus
- Council Tax Reduction
- Disability Living Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Personal Independence Payment
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
- social fund payments like Winter Fuel Payment
If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investments this will not affect your Pension Credit.
If you have more than £10,000, every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 income a week. For example, if you have £11,000 in savings, this counts as £2 income a week.
