Backdated awards

In some circumstances, if Social Security Scotland review your Adult Disability Payment after the move and that results in a higher award, they’ll backdate that award.

This means they’ll change the date of your higher award entitlement to a date in the past. You will not lose out on any money that’s due to you in the process of moving your benefit from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Adult Disability Payment.

If they backdate your award, it will typically mean you’re due a payment for the backdated period. This makes sure you get the full award amount that you’re entitled to.

Payments due to you will be paid automatically

Social Security Scotland will pay any amount that’s due to you from a backdated award automatically. You do not need to do anything.

Awards can only be backdated after the move from DLA to Adult Disability Payment is complete.

After Social Security Scotland review your award, they’ll send you a letter to let you know if there are any changes to your payments or entitlement.

Who gets backdated awards

You might have your Adult Disability Payment award backdated if either you:

• reported you’re terminally ill to DWP or Social Security Scotland during the move
• are under special rules for terminal illness with DWP, but not paid at the higher or ‘enhanced’ rate for daily living and mobility components

When awards are backdated

If you’ve reported a relevant change of condition

If you report a change in your condition before or during your move from DLA to Adult Disability Payment, Social Security Scotland will start the process of reviewing your award after the move is complete.

If that review leads to an increase in your Adult Disability Payment award, we’ll pay you arrears, which is money that’s owed to you, from the date the move completed.

This is similar to when your award would have increased if it had moved from DLA to PIP.

If you’ve reported a terminal illness 

If you report you’re terminally ill before or during your move from DLA to Adult Disability Payment, your benefit will move faster to Social Security Scotland.

Once your benefit move is complete, Social Security Scotland will pay you weekly. You’ll always get your award payment one week in advance.

If your Adult Disability Payment award increases, your entitlement will be backdated.

When awards are not backdated

If your review leads to no change or a lower Adult Disability Payment award, Social Security Scotland will not backdate it.

You will not owe Social Security Scotland any money or be disadvantaged by the process of moving your benefit.

The lower award rate would take effect from the date of the decision to reduce the award.

If you feel the decision is incorrect, you can ask for a re-determination or appeal a new decision.

When to contact Social Security Scotland

You can contact Social Security Scotland if you:

• need a copy of your award letter
• have any worries about award reviews and backdated awards

Get further help and advice

For independent support and advice, contact Citizens Advice Scotland. Either:

• call them free on 0800 028 1456
• go to cas.org.uk

Get support from an independent advocate

If you need extra support with disability benefits, contact VoiceAbility. They’re independent from Social Security Scotland.

An advocate will listen to you and try to understand your point of view and what you want to happen. They can help you apply for benefits and make decisions. You’ll still make any final decisions.

To contact VoiceAbility:

• call them free on 0300 303 1660
• visit their website at voiceability.org
• email SocialSecurityAdvocacy@voiceability.org

You can also ask Social Security Scotland to refer you to VoiceAbility.