A NEW benefit is now available for pensioners living within Dumfries and Galloway.
The Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) is a for people of state pension age living with a disability or long-term health condition.
It replaces the UK Government’s Attendance Allowance, delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions.
While Attendance Allowance only classes those with terminal illness as eligible to receive support if they are expected to live for 12 months or less, PADP classes terminally ill people as eligible regardless of how long they are expected to live.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The national launch of Pension Age Disability Payment is an important milestone in the development of our social security system, that will treat everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.
“The pilot phases have allowed us to put our different approach into practice, learning and improving before rolling the benefit out across Scotland.
“It is vital older people who are disabled, terminally ill or those who have care needs get the money they need to help them look after themselves, stay safe and live with dignity.”
The payment, which is not means-tested, is paid either at a higher rate of £441 a month, or a lower rate of £295 a month. Under PADP, terminally ill recipients are automatically entitled to the highest level of payment – which is not the case under Attendance Allowance.
Commenting on the new benefit, South of Scotland MSP Emma Harper said:
“I welcome the rollout of the Pension Age Disability Payment in Dumfries & Galloway, as people living with terminal illness will automatically be entitled to the highest level of payment, regardless of life expectancy – a marked difference from Westminster’s Attendance Allowance.
“I urge all those across our communities who think they may be eligible to apply by calling 0800 182 2222.”
