What you need to apply for Adult Disability Payment

You can apply for Adult Disability Payment online or by phone and paper. There are 2 parts to the application.

If you have a terminal illness, apply under special rules for terminal illness. It's faster.

Part 1

Part 1 asks for your personal details:

• personal details, such as date of birth and main address 

• National Insurance number - you can find this on your National Insurance card, a social security letter, payslip, P60 or P45 

• bank, building society or credit union account details 

You can still apply for Adult Disability Payment if you do not have a bank, building society or credit union account. If your application is successful, you’ll need to contact Social Security Scotland to agree how you want them to pay you.

If you have been outside the Common Travel Area at any time in the last year, you'll need to tell Social Security Scotland when you were away, and why. This is so they can consider your application for Adult Disability Payment in the right way.

If you live in a European Economic Area (EEA) country, Switzerland or Gibraltar, Social Security Scotland need to ask about residency details to make a decision on your application.

Part 2

Part 2 asks you about:

• your condition and how it affects your ability to look after yourself, understand information, and communicate
• what help and support you need and why
• how you move around outdoors
• any medication, treatment or equipment you need

You do not need to complete part 2 all at once.

It may help to gather this information before you start: 

• your condition or your symptoms, if you're still waiting for a diagnosis 

• any medical testsand any results  

• contact details for your GP 

• contact details for anyone else who could give more information about your condition, such as a family member or someone who looks after you 

Questions you'll be asked

Download the types of questions you’ll be asked when applying for Adult Disability Payment. They’re for reference. Do not use them to make an application.

Supporting information

Supporting information helps Social Security Scotland understand your application and make a decision.  

It is usually copies of documents or letters you already have at home that: 

• confirm your conditions, disability or needs 

• describe the impact the conditions or disability have on your life 

Examples of supporting information

You need to provide a document from a professional that confirms your conditions, disability or needs. Either:

• a letter from a professional 

• an official document like a prescription list, care plan, or a letter from your HR department about workplace adjustments 

It does not need to include a diagnosis. See more examples of supporting information from a professional. 

You can also provide information that describes the impact the condition or disability has on your life. Either: 

• a letter or phone call to Social Security Scotland from someone in your wider support network who knows you well 

• information from a professional that describes your needs 

How to provide supporting information

You can send supporting information: 

• with your application (this is quicker)  

• to Social Security Scotland within 28 days of submitting part 2  

You can ask Social Security Scotland to get supporting information for you. This may take longer for Social Security Scotland to process your application if you ask them to get the supporting information for you. This is because it can take time getting information from other organisations.  

Read about supporting information and how to send it.

How long you have to apply

After completing part 1, you must complete part 2 within 56 days (8 weeks). 

If applying online, you can save your application and continue when it suits you within the 8 weeks. 

You can ask Social Security Scotland for more time to complete part 2 if you need it. You do not have to give a reason. 

You can send supporting information after submitting part 2 

You do not need to wait until you have supporting information before you submit part 2. If you send supporting information after, send it within 28 days of submitting part 2. 

You and your data

Read about your rights and how Social Security Scotland uses your data.