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Moving to Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance

What will happen with your benefit

Last updated
24 Mar 2025

Before the move

When it's time for your benefit to move, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will send you a letter. This will tell you:

  • your benefit has started moving to Social Security Scotland
  • when your Disability Living Allowance (DLA) award will end 

When your benefit starts moving, Social Security Scotland will send you an introduction letter called  ‘Your DLA is moving to Social Security Scotland'. The letter will tell you:

  • what happens during the move
  • when your Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (Scottish Adult DLA) award will start.

This letter will go to the address that DWP has. Make sure DWP has the right address for you. If you think DWP have the wrong information for you, contact DWP’s Disability Service Centre. 

Your Scottish Adult DLA award starts the day after your DLA award ends.

During the move

When your benefit starts moving, it will take 4 to 8 weeks to complete the move to Scottish Adult DLA.  

During the move, DWP will:

  • continue to manage your DLA
  • send Social Security Scotland information about your DLA

During the move, Social Security Scotland may need to call or write to you to confirm details like:

  • your address
  • your bank account
  • if you normally live in Scotland

If Social Security Scotland does need to call you, they’ll call from this number: 0800 182 2222. 

DWP will carry on paying your DLA until Social Security Scotland start paying you Scottish Adult DLA.

Your Scottish Adult DLA might be paid one working day later than your DLA. If this is the case, we'll let you know in advance so you can make any necessary financial plans.

Learn more about your Scottish Adult DLA payments.

After the move

Social Security Scotland will send you another letter when the move is complete. This letter is called ‘Your DLA has moved to Social Security Scotland’. This letter will tell you:

  • that your DLA has completed the move to Scottish Adult DLA
  • how much Scottish Adult DLA you’ll get
  • what date your DLA ends
  • what date your Scottish Adult DLA starts

If you recently reported a change in your condition or needs to DWP, Social Security Scotland will start to review your award after the move is complete.

Find out who to tell and what happens next if your needs or personal details change.

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