DWP Confirms New Benefit Rules for People Moving to Scotland
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has introduced new benefit rules for people in England or Wales who receive Attendance Allowance (AA) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and then move permanently to Scotland. These updated rules came into effect on February 23, 2026, after the transfer of Attendance Allowance and DLA cases to Social Security Scotland was completed.
Attendance Allowance and DLA Claimants Must Apply Again
Under the new system, people receiving Attendance Allowance who move from England or Wales to Scotland must now submit a fresh claim for Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). Likewise, people on DLA need to contact Social Security Scotland to discuss whether they qualify for Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA).
Before February 23, claimants who moved permanently to Scotland had their benefit cases automatically transferred to the equivalent Scottish payment. That automatic process has now ended, and people must take action themselves to avoid losing support.
Rule Change Also Applies to Other DWP Disability Benefits
The new guidance now covers all major DWP disability benefits for people relocating to Scotland. This includes:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance for Children (DLAc)
- Carer’s Allowance
Anyone moving permanently from England or Wales to Scotland while claiming these benefits should make a new claim for the relevant Scottish replacement benefit as soon as possible after moving.
Scottish Replacement Benefits You May Need to Claim
To help avoid gaps in payment, Social Security Scotland is urging people to apply early for replacement benefits such as:
- Adult Disability Payment
- Child Disability Payment
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Carer Support Payment
Before making a new claim in Scotland, people must first tell the DWP or the Department of Communities in Northern Ireland that they have moved. Older people receiving DLA should also inform their current benefit provider before requesting Scottish Adult DLA.
Social Security Scotland Urges People to Apply Early
Social Security Scotland deputy director Karyn Dunning said it is important that disabled people and carers moving to Scotland act quickly to protect their financial support.
She explained that applying for benefits during a house move can feel stressful, but support is available. People can get help through:
- Phone support
- Webchat services
- Face-to-face appointments
She also highlighted that Scotland’s benefits system works differently from the DWP model. For example, Scotland does not rely on private assessors to make decisions and instead follows a system based on dignity, fairness, and respect.
13-Week Payment Protection and Backdated Support
The DWP and Northern Ireland’s Department of Communities will continue paying:
- PIP
- DLA for children
- Carer’s Allowance
for up to 13 weeks after someone moves to Scotland. This temporary support is designed to reduce disruption while a new claim is processed.
People whose Scottish benefit claims are approved may also be able to get payments backdated to the day after their DWP benefit ended. For full guidance, claimants can visit MYGOV.SCOT or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
