We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Requesting a Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance award

Who can request a Scottish Adult DLA award

If you had a Scottish Adult DLA or DLA award, that ended in the past 12 months, you can request a Scottish Adult DLA award again or for the first time.

Your Scottish Adult DLA may end for various reasons including:

  • you did not respond to requests for supporting information as part of a scheduled review
  • your condition improved and so you were no longer eligible
  • you moved abroad

Within 12 months of your Scottish Adult DLA award ending, you can request for your award to be reinstated if you’re eligible, for example:

  • if your condition worsens
  • if you have moved back to Scotland

How to request a Scottish Adult DLA award

You can make a request for a Scottish Adult DLA award by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222. They’re open from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You’ll be asked about your:

  • eligibility
  • personal details
  • supporting information

To receive an award, you need to meet the eligibility criteria.

Those unable to receive Scottish Adult DLA

It’s not possible to successfully request Scottish Adult Disability DLA if:

  • your previous DLA or Scottish Adult DLA entitlement is being challenged, including where there’s an ongoing appeal
  • your DLA ended because you claimed Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • you’ve had a determination made regarding your entitlement to Adult Disability Payment or Pension Age Disability Payment

If you’re not eligible for an award

If you’re not eligible for an award you may be able to apply for:

Get help from Social Security Scotland

Social Security Scotland can also help you to apply for Adult Disability Payment or Pension Age Disability Payment.

Find out more about how Social Security Scotland can help.

What you need to request an award

When you first request Scottish Adult DLA you’ll need to provide:

  • 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 request Scottish Adult DLA if you do not have a bank, building society or credit union account. If you’re successful, you’ll need to contact Social Security Scotland to agree how you want them to pay you.

If you’ve 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 request for Scottish Adult DLA 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.

Depending on what information Social Security Scotland already has about your circumstances, they may need to request information about:

  • any conditions and sensory issues you have
  • what help, support or care you need during the day or at night
  • what help or support you need at other times during the day
  • the support you need to safely move around outdoors
  • any treatment or therapies you get
  • any equipment you use or any changes made to your home
  • any medication you take

You'll only need to give detailed answers to the questions that are relevant. Social Security Scotland only ask you what they need to know to decide whether you can get Scottish Adult DLA.

Social Security Scotland will consider your information in full. Do not worry if you think you have added some information in the wrong place, or repeated yourself.

Supporting information

When reviewing your Scottish Adult DLA award, Social Security Scotland only needs new supporting information in some circumstances.

Social Security Scotland will contact you if you need to send supporting information.

You do not need to send them anything they’ve already seen, only new information to support:

  • a change in your needs or circumstances
  • your scheduled review

If you need to send supporting information, this can be either:

  • a letter from a professional
  • an official document, such as an up to date prescription list or care plan

See more examples of supporting information from a professional.

You can also provide information that describes the impact the conditions or disability have on your life.

This can be either:

  • a letter or phone call to Social Security Scotland from someone in your wider support network who knows you well
  • information from a professional that describes your needs

Social Security Scotland treats supporting information from professionals and your wider support network equally when they look at your benefit.

If you’re unsure about what to send or who to ask, contact Social Security Scotland for advice.

How to send your documents

Send Social Security Scotland photocopies of your documents in the post. It can take them up to two weeks to return any original documents you send. You can make photocopies at your local library.

Send your documents by post to:

Scottish Adult DLA
PO Box 27182

Glasgow
G4 7EG

You should write the following information on your photocopies:

  • your full name
  • your date of birth
  • your National Insurance number
  • the words ‘Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance’

You can find your National Insurance number:

  • on your payslip or P60
  • on letters about your tax, pension or benefits
  • in the National Insurance section of your personal tax account

Letting you know the decision

Social Security Scotland will send you a letter with the decision.

If you disagree with the decision

You might want to challenge Social Security Scotland’s decision because you disagree with:

  • the outcome
  • how much you’re being paid
  • when payments should start

Find out what to do if you disagree with a benefit decision.

Back to top