The Scottish government has begun taking over adult disability benefits from the UK government.
Until now, personal independence payments (PIP) or disability living allowance (DLA) have been provided by the UK government.
They are being replaced in Scotland by the new adult disability payment.
The process of automatically transferring recipients over is now underway, and the Scottish system is open to new applicants.
Scottish ministers have said that the process of applying for the new benefit will be “more compassionate”.
The changes have been welcomed by disability groups, although opposition politicians described them as “a missed opportunity”.
About 300,000 people in Scotland receive PIPs, while about 39,000 people are in receipt of DLA.
PIPs help people aged 16 to 64 cope with the extra costs they face due to ill health or disability and are gradually replacing the DLA.
People already receiving either of those benefits will be automatically transferred onto the new adult disability payment over the coming years. That process is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
The Scottish system has indefinite awards, where people with a long-term health condition or disability which is unlikely to change will not need to reapply or be re-assessed for their benefits.
There will also be short-term financial assistance to people awaiting appeals, and the criteria for terminal illness have been changed so that anyone with a terminal diagnosis will be eligible.
Under current rules, terminally ill people are only eligible for PIP if their death is “reasonably expected” within six months.
For the full information on the changes click here
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