New disability benefit process to help people in Scotland with a terminal illness get fast access to support

Social Security Scotland is reminding terminally ill people that they can be fast-tracked for disability benefits, and receive the highest payment rates, even if they have years to live. The reminder follows the publication of new Scottish Government guidance for doctors and nurses on how they can help their terminally ill patients access financial help.

The guidance, from Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, sets out the vital role doctors and nurses play, and what they should consider, in ensuring terminally ill patients get fast access to the disability benefits they are entitled to. People who are terminally ill are entitled to the highest rates of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and Child Disability Payment (CDP).

They can apply under the ‘special rules’ process. This fast-tracks their application as soon as Social Security Scotland receives a ‘Benefits Assessment for Special Rules in Scotland’ form from a doctor or nurse, confirming the applicant is terminally ill.

Social Security Scotland said that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) defines someone as being terminally ill if they are expected to die within a year, however, the devolved welfare system does not require a fixed life expectancy.

This means doctors or nurses do not need to estimate how long a patient has left to live before they can complete the forms. The different definition was brought in by the Scottish Government to ensure people who are terminally ill receive the support they are entitled to as soon as possible.

The definition of terminal illness used by Social Security Scotland was agreed after listening to organisations who support people who are terminally ill.

ADP and CDP payment rates

A successful claim for ADP is currently worth between £26.90 and £172.75 each week in additional financial support. However, from April, once the annual uprating has been applied, payments will be worth up to £184.30 each week.

Daily Living

• Enhanced rate: £71.00 (rising to £75.75 in April)
• Standard rate: £68.10 (rising to £72.65 in April)

Mobility

• Enhanced rate: £101.75 (rising to £108.65 in April)
• Standard rate: £26.90 (rising to £28.70 in April)

How to apply for ADP or CDP

People can apply ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.

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