DWP issues update to PIP claimants as 300,000 are having their claims stopped

05 April 2024 , 13:50

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The Scottish Government are transferring people claiming PIP onto a new disability benefit called Adult Disability Payment (Image: Getty Images)

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an update for 300,000 Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants.

Currently, Scotland's 300,000 PIP claimants are having their claims stopped and are being transferred to the new Adult Disability Payment (ADP). The latest update is about the Motability Scheme agreement. If you are awarded the enhanced rate of the Mobility element of PIP then you can join the Motability Scheme.

This scheme allows you to sacrifice some of your benefits in exchange for a car or vehicle. How much of your benefit goes towards the vehicle is dependent on which one you choose to lease. The scheme can also include insurance, breakdown cover, servicing and MOT and support with an electric car.

The DWP's recent update tells PIP claimants that the scheme will continue to remain in place even if they are moved over to the new benefit. The update states: “If you have a Motability agreement because of your PIP award, the agreement will move to your Adult Disability Payment award. The agreement could be for a Motability car, powered wheelchair or scooter. You do not need to re-apply to Motability.”

So those who have moved to ADP will renew in the same way as the Motability Scheme but it will be done through the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme instead, according to Scottish Government's guidance.

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Renewing or applying for a vehicle through the scheme will work in the same way and follow the current eligibility guidelines. The scheme will not be impacted at a consumer level when you changeover so claimants should not need to worry about this. The transition between the schemes is being done by Social Security Scotland so claimants do not need to take any action over the coming months.

The new benefit was first introduced in March 2022 and Social Security Scotland - the Scottish DWP - began moving people over later that year. The transfer of claimants is set to be completed by the end of 2025. The move to ADP has caused confusion for Scottish PIP claimants and the DWP has shared multiple updates to help ease claimants' worries.

Adult Disability Payment works in the same way as PIP, with the eligibility criteria, the rates paid, and the benefit terms being exactly the same. The only difference is that it is a devolved benefit and will be managed by Social Security Scotland rather than the DWP. You can read up on the transfer from PIP to Adult Disability Payment on the Scottish Government's website here.

Ruby Flanagan