What is Scottish Adult DLA?
It’s to help you with extra costs if you live in Scotland and you have a disability that affects your everyday life.
It’s been introduced by Social Security Scotland, which is taking over disability assistance payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in Scotland.
It’s replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults living in Scotland.
From the end of March 2025, DLA awards will start automatically moving to a new allowance called Scottish Adult DLA.
How the Scheme worksYou do not need to do anything to start moving to Scottish Adult DLA. It’s not an allowance you can apply for.
Can I get Scottish Adult DLA?
You can only get Scottish Adult DLA if you:
- Are over 18
- Already get DLA from the DWP
- Live in Scotland
When will my DLA move to Scottish Adult DLA?
This will happen in stages, and not to everyone at the same time.
It will start from the end of March 2025 and take until the end of 2025 to move everyone’s awards across.
The DWP will let you know when it’s time for your allowance to move to Scottish Adult DLA and anything you need to do.
You'll keep getting your regular DLA payments from the DWP until then.
There will be no gap and you’ll be paid the same amount when your allowance moves to Scottish Adult DLA.
Moving to Adult Disability Payment, or due a review?
If your DLA award is already moving to Adult Disability Payment, you’ll continue to move to this allowance.
If it moves before March 2025, you’ll stay on Adult Disability Payment.
If you’re due a DLA review before your allowance starts moving, the DWP will contact you.
Keep speaking to the DWP about your review until your allowance has moved to Social Security Scotland.
What about my Motability Scheme payments?
The DWP will continue to pay your Scheme payments until the move is finished.
Social Security Scotland will automatically take this over after the move. This means there will be no gap in your lease payments.
Let the DWP know about any changes
It’s important you tell the DWP about any changes before they happen, so you continue to get the right payment for your needs.
This can include a change in your:
- Health condition or needs (including if you become terminally ill)
- Name
- Address
- Contact details
- Bank details
Scottish Adult DLA and the Scheme
In Scotland the Scheme works through the Government’s Accessible Vehicles and Equipment scheme.
So if you're getting the higher mobility rate of Scottish Adult DLA, and you have at least 12 months left on your award, you can apply to lease a car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle), scooter or powered wheelchair through the Scheme.
What if I’m newly joining the Scheme?
You can still apply to join the Scheme while your award is being transferred to Scottish Adult DLA.
You can order your vehicle, but you will not be able to collect your new vehicle until the transfer is complete.
This is because the DWP cannot arrange new payments to us while your award is being transferred to Social Security Scotland.
Who to contact
Here’s who to contact if you want to find out more or claim for this allowance:
If you're still getting DLA from the DWP
Call the DWP
If you were born after 8 April 1948
Phone | 0800 121 4600
Or if you’re hard of hearing and you want to use a Text Relay Service(opens in a new window), on 18001 then 0800 121 4600
If you were born before 8 April 1948
Phone | 0800 731 0122
Or if you’re hard of hearing and you want to use a Text Relay Service(opens in a new window), on 18001 then 0800 731 0122
- Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
- Saturday: 8am to 4pm
- Sunday: Closed
If you're getting Scottish Adult DLA from Social Security Scotland
Not sure if you’re eligible for the Scheme?
You can check right now. Just answer a few questions.
