What ADP is
Adult Disability Payment is Scotland's replacement for PIP for people aged 16 and over. It is delivered by Social Security Scotland under the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 and the Disability Assistance for Working Age People (Scotland) Regulations 2022.
Where ADP differs from PIP
- No private-contractor functional assessments. Consultations, if needed, are by Social Security Scotland practitioners.
- Client-centred process. Applications can be started by phone, online, in person or by paper. You can nominate someone to act on your behalf.
- Light-touch reviews. Short-term reviews are avoided where the condition is unlikely to change.
- Redetermination, not MR. Requested within 42 days of the decision.
- Appeals go to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland, Social Security Chamber, not HMCTS.
How to claim
Apply through mygov.scot or by phoning Social Security Scotland. You can add supporting information at any time.
The four reliability limbs
ADP uses the reliability principle: a task counts only if you can do it safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time. Name each limb by name wherever it applies.
Redetermination and appeal
- Request redetermination in writing within 42 days of the decision.
- Social Security Scotland has a statutory period to respond; if they do not respond in time you can appeal without waiting.
- Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Social Security Chamber).
Build the evidence pack
The evidence principles behind our pack (functional impact, reliability limbs, quantified frequency) apply UK-wide. Process differs: use mygov.scot for ADP procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Is Adult Disability Payment the same as PIP?
No. ADP replaced PIP for new Scottish claims. The daily living and mobility components and their eligibility framework are broadly similar, but ADP is delivered by Social Security Scotland under the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 and the Disability Assistance for Working Age People (Scotland) Regulations 2022.
Do private contractors carry out ADP assessments?
No. Social Security Scotland does not commission private contractors like Capita or IAS to carry out functional assessments. Decisions are made from the form, supporting information and, where needed, a consultation carried out by Social Security Scotland practitioners. This is one of the biggest differences from PIP.
Has case transfer from PIP to ADP finished?
Social Security Scotland has completed the majority of case transfers from PIP. Check mygov.scot for the current position if you are still on PIP.
How do reviews work under ADP?
Awards are set with a light-touch review process. Short-term reviews are avoided where the condition is unlikely to change. See mygov.scot for the current review approach.
How do I challenge a decision?
Request a redetermination (the ADP equivalent of MR) within 42 days of the decision, then appeal to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Social Security Chamber). Deadlines and rules are set by Scottish law.
General information and document drafting, not benefits advice. Finally Seen is not affiliated with Social Security Scotland, DWP or the NHS and does not guarantee any award. Check current guidance at mygov.scot before sending.