Adult Disability Payment (Scotland) & DLA (Children) — 2025 Eligibility & Rates Guide
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) still applies to children under 16 throughout the UK, and in Scotland, the equivalent adult benefit is now Adult Disability Payment (ADP) — replacing PIP. In England and Wales, PIP applies to adults. This guide explains all three systems, compares rates, and helps you check eligibility for the right benefit in the right country.
PIP (England/Wales) and ADP (Scotland) rates 2025/26: daily living standard £72.65/week, enhanced £108.55/week; mobility standard £28.70/week, enhanced £75.75/week. DLA (children under 16): care lowest £28.70, middle £72.65, highest £108.55/week; mobility lower £28.70, higher £75.75/week. These benefits are not means-tested and not affected by income or savings.
Which Disability Benefit Applies to You?
| Who | England & Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children under 16 | DLA (children) | DLA (children) | DLA (children) |
| Adults 16–65 | PIP | Adult Disability Payment (ADP) | PIP (NI version) |
| Over 66 (new claimants) | Attendance Allowance | Pension Age Disability Payment | Attendance Allowance |
Adult Disability Payment (ADP) — Scotland
ADP launched across Scotland in August 2022 and replaced PIP for new claimants. Existing PIP claimants in Scotland are being transferred to ADP. Key differences from PIP:
- No face-to-face assessment as standard — most decisions made on paper evidence (medical records, supporting letters), though Social Security Scotland may request a consultation in some cases.
- Applying in person or by phone — you can call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 to start your claim.
- Same rates as PIP — the payment amounts are identical.
- Fairer review process — reviews are lighter touch, with more emphasis on the applicant's own account of their condition.
- Child Disability Payment (CDP) — the Scottish equivalent of DLA for children, with a similar process.
DLA for Children — Rates 2025/26
| Component | Rate | Weekly amount |
|---|---|---|
| Care — lowest | Help for some of the day | £28.70 |
| Care — middle | Help for significant portions of day or night | £72.65 |
| Care — highest | Help day and night, or terminal illness | £108.55 |
| Mobility — lower | Guidance or supervision outdoors | £28.70 |
| Mobility — higher | Unable to walk / virtually unable to walk | £75.75 |
DLA for children is claimed by a parent or guardian on behalf of the child. The child must have needed the care or mobility help for at least 3 months and be expected to need it for at least 6 more months (unless terminally ill). Apply at gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children.
Appealing a Refused Claim
Refusal rates for initial PIP and DLA applications are high. If refused, the process is: (1) request a mandatory reconsideration within 1 month — a different decision maker reviews the case; (2) if still refused, appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) within 1 month of the reconsideration notice. Tribunal success rates are significantly higher than reconsideration success rates — approximately 65–70% of tribunal appeals succeed for PIP. Always attend the hearing in person if possible and bring as much supporting medical evidence as you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — Social Security Scotland is transferring existing PIP claimants in Scotland to ADP. You should receive a letter explaining when your transfer will happen. You do not need to make a new claim. Your payments should continue without interruption during the transition. If you have any concerns or questions, call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
PIP and ADP are not means-tested and do not count as income for other benefit purposes. In fact, receiving them can increase your entitlement to other benefits — including the disability premium in means-tested benefits, Carer's Allowance for someone caring for you, Council Tax Reduction, and access to a Blue Badge (automatic with enhanced mobility component) and a Motability scheme vehicle.
Yes — DLA for children is based on functional need, not diagnosis. Children with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health conditions can qualify if their condition means they need significantly more care, attention, or supervision than a child of the same age without the condition. The care component covers the extra attention needed for daily activities; the mobility component applies if the child needs guidance or supervision when outdoors. Describe the child's needs on their worst days and compare with a similar-aged child without the condition.