Changes to Disability and Carer Benefits
From 6 November 2025, anyone moving to Scotland who currently receives benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’s Allowance (CA), or Disability Living Allowance for Children (DLAc) through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland will need to take action.
Under new arrangements, these benefits will not automatically transfer when you relocate. Instead, you will be required to end your existing award and apply for the equivalent benefit from Social Security Scotland:
- Adult Disability Payment (replacing PIP)
- Carer Support Payment (replacing CA)
- Child Disability Payment (replacing DLAc)
Apply Immediately to Avoid Payment Gaps
It’s crucial to apply for your new benefit as soon as possible after moving, as processing applications can take several weeks. Acting promptly will help prevent any gaps between the end of your current payments and the start of your new ones.
What About Other Benefits?
For those receiving Disability Living Allowance for Adults (DLA) or Attendance Allowance (AA), there is no immediate change. These benefits will continue under the existing case transfer process, and any future updates will be communicated in due course.