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Moving from Child Disability Payment to Adult Disability Payment

Applying for Adult Disability Payment if you currently get Child Disability Payment

Last updated
9 Oct 2023

If you get Child Disability Payment and decide to apply for Adult Disability Payment, you usually need to submit your application before your 18th birthday.

If you’re eligible for Adult Disability Payment, then this will ensure you do not have a break in payments.

You should leave enough time to complete and submit your application. You must submit both part 1 and part 2 before your 18th birthday.

Once you start your application, you have up to 56 days (8 weeks) to submit it. Your Child Disability Payment will stop if you turn 18 before the 56 days are up.

If you submit your Adult Disability Payment application before your 18th birthday, you'll continue to get paid Child Disability Payment after you turn 18, while Social Security Scotland is processing your application.

Find out more about how to apply for Adult Disability Payment.

If you do not apply for Adult Disability Payment before you’re 18

If you do not apply for Adult Disability Payment before your 18th birthday, your:

  • Child Disability Payment will usually end when you turn 18
  • other benefits may be affected

If you decide not to apply for Adult Disability Payment before you’re 18, you can still make a new application at any time afterwards.

If your benefit was moved from Disability Living Allowance for children to Child Disability Payment, and you turned 18 on or before 31 December 2023, then:

  • your Child Disability Payment will not end when you turn 18
  • you have more time, if you need it, to apply for Adult Disability Payment

You must still submit your application as soon as you can after your 18th birthday. 

Get help to apply for Adult Disability Payment

The Social Security Scotland Local Delivery service can help you to apply for Adult Disability Payment.

Find out more about help to apply for Adult Disability Payment.

Someone can help you to apply for Adult Disability Payment if you’re unable to apply by yourself. This might be:

  • a family member
  • a friend
  • a carer, support worker or someone else who helps you

If you have an appointee who acts on your behalf, they must apply for Adult Disability Payment for you.

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