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If you have a terminal illness

Transferring your award from the Department of Work and Pensions to Social Security Scotland

Last updated
20 Nov 2023

Social Security Scotland is taking control of some benefits that used to be handled by the Department for Work and Pensions. These include Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance.

The transfer process is designed to be as simple and convenient as possible. Social Security Scotland will write to you to let you know the process is underway, and when it has finished.

If your benefits are being transferred, you:

  • do not need to reapply
  • will not be reassessed
  • will be paid at the same rate

If you’re terminally ill and receiving Personal Independence Payment

If you’re terminally ill and receiving Personal Independence Payment, Social Security Scotland will make sure to move you to Adult Disability Payment quickly.

If you’re between 16 and State Pension age when your Adult Disability Payment award starts, you’ll receive:

  • the enhanced award for daily living
  • the enhanced award for mobility

Social Security Scotland will not review your Adult Disability Payment unless you ask them to or there is a reported change in circumstances.

If you're terminally ill and receiving Attendance Allowance

If you receive Attendance Allowance, your award will be transferred to Pension Age Disability Payment. Social Security Scotland will transfer awards in phases, starting from early 2025.

You do not need to do anything. Social Security Scotland will write to you when the process is underway.

If you’re terminally ill and State Pension age when your Pension Age Disability Payment award starts, you’ll receive the higher rate. Social Security Scotland will not review your Pension Age Disability Payment unless there is a change of circumstances or you ask them to.

If you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness during the transfer process

If you become terminally ill before or while your benefits are being transferred, you should call the Department for Work and Pensions so that they can look at your case for you.

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