Pensioners in Scotland applying for the new Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) are receiving decisions in as little as 10 working days, with the median processing time currently at seven working days, according to the latest figures from Social Security Scotland.
Processing Times Improve
Data covering the period from the benefit's launch in October 2024 to April 2026 shows that processing times have improved in recent months, falling from 10 working days in January 2026 to nine working days in April 2026. For applications made under the Special Rules for Terminal Illness, the median processing time is just two working days.
Since its introduction, 50,395 Part 1 applications have been registered and 39,390 Part 2 applications received. A total of 44,385 applications had been processed with a decision by April 30, 2026. Of those, 82% were authorised, 14% were denied, and 3% were withdrawn.
Payment Rates and Eligibility
Pension Age Disability Payment is the Scottish replacement for Attendance Allowance, providing financial support to people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision due to a disability, illness, or long-term health condition. The weekly payment rates are £76.70 for the lower rate and £114.60 for the higher rate, typically paid every four weeks, amounting to £306.80 and £458.40 per payment period. Most successful applicants (75%) receive the higher rate.
To be eligible, applicants must have reached State Pension age and had care needs during the day or night for six months or more because of a disability or health condition. Applications can still be made if care needs have not lasted six months, if a diagnosis is pending, or if the applicant has a terminal illness. Notably, individuals cannot receive both PADP and Attendance Allowance simultaneously.
Rollout and Demographics
Social Security Scotland completed the national rollout of Pension Age Disability Payment in April 2025 and has since transferred over 167,000 former Attendance Allowance recipients from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) onto the new benefit. By the end of April 2026, 185,895 people had received PADP, with £580 million paid out across Scotland since the benefit launched.
The largest group of applicants were aged between 75 and 79, accounting for 24% of applications, followed by those aged 70 to 74, who made up 22% of claims. Social Security Scotland noted that the average processing time for new claims remains under 10 working days.
How to Apply
Applications can be made online, by phone, post, or in person through the mygov.scot website. For those needing assistance, the Social Security Independent Advocacy Service, provided by Advice Direct Scotland, offers support via advocacy.scot or by calling 0808 196 8901. Pensioners in England or Wales should continue to apply for Attendance Allowance through the DWP.
