Over the last few years, Social Security Scotland has been taking over the delivery of disability benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for people in Scotland.
They’ve now announced a new disability allowance for adults living in Scotland. It’s called Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, or Scottish Adult DLA for short.
What is Scottish Adult DLA?
It’s replacing DLA for adults living in Scotland. You’ll only get Scottish Adult DLA if you:
- Are over 18
- Already get DLA from the DWP
- Live in Scotland
From the end of March 2025, DLA awards will start automatically moving to Scottish Adult DLA.
It’s not an allowance you can apply for, and you do not need to anything to start moving to Scottish Adult DLA.
Moving to Scottish Adult DLA
Transfers will happen in stages from the end of March 2025.
It’s expected to take the rest of 2025 to move everyone’s DLA awards across.
The DWP will get in touch when it’s time to move your allowance. They’ll let you know if you need to do anything.
Social Security Scotland will then write to you with more information about the transfer process.
You’ll keep getting your DLA payments from the DWP until you’re transferred. There’ll be no gap in your payments and you’ll be paid the same amount once you’ve moved to Scottish Adult DLA.
If you’re due a DLA review with the DWP before your allowance starts moving, the DWP will contact you.
If you’re already on the Motability Scheme
The DWP will continue to pay your Scheme payments until the move if finished. Social Security Scotland will automatically take over after this.
This means there’ll be no gaps in your lease payments, and you should not notice any disruption to your lease.
Thinking of joining the Scheme?
In Scotland, the Motability Scheme works through the Government’s Accessible Vehicles and Equipment scheme.
If you get the higher rate mobility component 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 (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair. You can also get a range of manual wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs with power add-ons.
You can still apply while your award is being transferred to Scottish Adult DLA, but you will not be able to collect your vehicle until the transfer is complete. This is because the DWP cannot arrange new payments to us while your award is being to Social Security Scotland.
You can keep up to date with the latest news from the Scottish Government on their website, gov.scot.
Joining the Motability Scheme
Enjoy everyday freedom with a brand-new, reliable vehicle on the Motability Scheme. Simply exchange your qualifying mobility allowance for a brand-new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair and our all-inclusive package. If you get your qualifying allowance from Social Security Scotland, you can also lease a manual wheelchair or manual wheelchair with a power add-on.
Am I eligible?
You need to receive one of the qualifying mobility allowances, with at least 12 months left, to be eligible to join the Motability Scheme.
How to join
Ready to join the 800,000 people across the UK already enjoying a Motability Scheme lease?
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