What you need to apply for Adult Disability Payment
You can apply for Adult Disability Payment online or by phone and paper.
Apply onlineIf you have a terminal illness, apply under special rules for terminal illness. It's faster.
Part 1
Part 1 asks for your personal details:
- personal details, such as date of birth and main address
- National Insurance number - you can find this on your National Insurance card, a social security letter, payslip, P60 or P45
- bank, building society or credit union account details
You can still apply for Adult Disability Payment if you do not have a bank, building society or credit union account. If your application is successful, you’ll need to contact Social Security Scotland to agree how you want them to pay you.
If you have been outside the Common Travel Area at any time in the last year, you'll need to tell Social Security Scotland when you were away, and why. This is so they can consider your application for Adult Disability Payment in the right way.
If you live in a European Economic Area (EEA) country, Switzerland or Gibraltar, Social Security Scotland need to ask about residency details to make a decision on your application.
Part 2
Part 2 asks you about:
- your condition and how it affects your ability to look after yourself, understand information, and communicate
- what help and support you need and why
- how you move around outdoors
- any medication, treatment or equipment you need
You have 56 days (8 weeks) to complete part 2 of the application.
You do not need to complete part 2 all at once. You can answer a question, save the application and come back to later.
You can start part 2 of the application straight after you’ve finished part 1 or you can come back to it at another time.
You do not have to answer every question. You'll only need to give detailed answers to the questions that are relevant to you.
Do not worry if you think you have added information in the wrong place, or repeated yourself.
You can ask Social Security Scotland for more time to complete part 2 if you need it. You do not have to give a reason.
Supporting information
Supporting information helps Social Security Scotland understand your application and make a decision.
It is usually copies of documents or letters you already have at home that:
- confirm your conditions, disability or needs
- describe the impact the conditions or disability have on your life
It may help to gather supporting information before you start filling in part 2.
If you cannot get the information before you apply, you can send supporting information after you’ve submitted your application.
You can ask Social Security Scotland to get supporting information for you. This may take longer for Social Security Scotland to process your application. This is because it can take time getting information from other organisations. Contact Social Security Scotland for advice.
Examples of supporting information
You need to provide a document from a professional that confirms your conditions, disability or needs. Either:
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a letter from your GP about an appointment
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formal medication or prescription list that shows the medication you take
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test results
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social work reports
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physiotherapy reports
You do not need to include an official diagnosis.
View more examples of supporting information from a professional.
You can also provide information that describes the impact the condition or disability has on your life.
This could be a letter or phone call to Social Security Scotland from someone who knows you well, for example a:
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partner
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friend
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family member
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neighbour who helps with your care
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professional who knows about your needs
How to send supporting information
You can send supporting information:
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with your application (this is quicker)
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to Social Security Scotland within 28 days of submitting part 2 by:
- uploading them your documents online
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post
How to send supporting information after you have applied.
You and your data
Read about your rights and how Social Security Scotland uses your data.