**Urgent Action Required for Disabled People and Carers Moving to Scotland**
Disabled people and their carers who relocate to Scotland from other parts of the UK must take action to ensure they continue receiving certain benefits.
Starting 23 February, individuals receiving Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) who move to Scotland will need to apply for the Scottish equivalents of these benefits. In Scotland, the equivalents are the Pension Age Disability Payment and the Scottish Adult DLA.
To minimize disruptions in their payments, affected individuals are encouraged to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about their change of address as soon as possible after moving. They should do this before contacting Social Security Scotland.
In addition, similar rules were implemented on 6 November last year for individuals receiving Disability Living Allowance for children, Personal Independence Payment, and Carer’s Allowance.
Ally MacPhail, Deputy Director of Social Security Scotland, stated:
“The Scottish benefit system is founded on the principles of dignity, fairness, and respect. We want disabled people and carers to receive every penny they are entitled to. I urge everyone affected by these changes to apply for the equivalent benefits as soon as possible after moving. Our staff are available to answer questions and assist with applications via phone, web chat, or through face-to-face appointments with our community-based advisors.”
For more information, including access to local support services, visit mygov.scot/moving-to-scotland or call Social Security Scotland at 0800 182 2222.
**Background Information**
The Department for Work and Pensions, or the Department of Communities in Northern Ireland, will continue to pay the affected benefits to individuals for 13 weeks after they move to Scotland.
Those who successfully apply for one of the impacted benefits within the specified time frames may be entitled to have their payments backdated to the day after their DWP benefit ended. More information is available at mygov.scot/moving-to-scotland.