The DWP has confirmed new rules for some people on disability benefits
New rules confirmed by the DWP could affect how many Brits claim their benefits. The rules came into place on February 23, 2026 with many likely to see changes to how support is assessed.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed new regulations for people residing in England or Wales on Attendance Allowance (AA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) who relocate to Scotland. The DWP verified that these rules were implemented last month after the transfer of Attendance Allowance and DLA cases to Social Security Scotland was completed.
The DWP said: “AA customers who move permanently from England or Wales to Scotland now need to make a new claim to the Scottish benefit, Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). DLA customers who move permanently from England or Wales to Scotland now need to contact Social Security Scotland to discuss entitlement to Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA).”
Prior to February 23, 2026, people on Attendance Allowance and DLA who permanently relocated from England or Wales to Scotland had their cases automatically transferred to the equivalent benefit managed and provided by Social Security Scotland.
This alteration means the regulations now apply to everyone on a DWP-delivered disability benefit who permanently relocates from England or Wales to Scotland. This includes Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance for Children (DLAc) and Carer’s Allowance, reports the Daily Record.
To avoid payment interruptions, people are being encouraged to apply for the replacement benefits – Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment and Carer Support Payment – as soon as possible after the move.
Before applying to Social Security Scotland, people must notify the DWP or Department of Communities in Northern Ireland about their relocation. Elderly people receiving DLA will also need to inform their benefit provider and contact Social Security Scotland to request Scottish Adult DLA.
Social Security Scotland’s deputy director Karyn Dunning recently said: “It’s vital disabled people and carers who move to Scotland take action to ensure they continue to get the financial support they are entitled to. We know applying for benefits can feel daunting, especially alongside moving to a new country, but there is an in-depth guide available on mygov.scot.
“Our staff are also here to answer questions and help people apply. We can provide help over the phone, through webchat or through a face-to-face appointment with one of our community-based advisors. I urge people not to put off applying. The Scottish approach to benefits is very different from that of the DWP. For example, we do not use private sector assessors to make decisions.
“Our system is built on the principles of dignity, fairness and respect, and we want disabled people and carers to get every penny they’re entitled to.”
It’s crucial to understand the DWP and Department of Communities in Northern Ireland will continue paying PIP, DLA for children and Carer’s Allowance to an individual for 13 weeks following their move to Scotland. The urge to apply early is due to the time it takes to process claims, in an effort to minimise disruption to payments between welfare agencies.
Those who successfully apply for a devolved disability benefit may be eligible to have their payments backdated to the day after their DWP benefit ended. Further details on relocating to Scotland and claiming devolved benefits can be found on MYGOV.SCOT or by phoning Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
