Moving from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
Social Security Scotland is taking over the administration and payment of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This is happening as part of Scottish devolution.
From the end of March 2025, DLA awards will start automatically moving to a new benefit called Scottish Adult DLA.
Scottish Adult DLA will only be available to people who:
- are over 18
- already get DLA from DWP
- live in Scotland
You cannot apply for Scottish Adult DLA. You do not need to do anything to start the move to Scottish Adult DLA.
Reporting changes
It’s important that you tell DWP about any changes before the move, so you continue to get the right payment for your needs.
Changes can include:
- changes in your health condition or needs (including if you become terminally ill)
- a name change
- a change of address
- a change in your contact details
- your bank details
Call DWP free on 0800 121 4600.
Contact the Text Relay Service on 18001 +0800 121 4600 (for the hard of hearing).
British Sign Language users can visit connect.interpreterslive.co.uk.
For more options visit gov.uk/disability-benefits-helpline.
When your DLA will move
The move will happen in stages. It will not happen to everyone at the same time. It will take until the end of 2025 to move everyone's benefit across.
DLA awards moving to Adult Disability Payment will continue until Scottish Adult DLA is launched at the end of March 2025. Find out whose benefit is moving to Adult Disability Payment and what happens next.
If this does not apply to you, we’ll let you know when it is time for your benefit to move to Scottish Adult DLA and anything you need to do.
Your DLA payments
You'll keep getting your regular DLA payments from DWP until your benefit moves.
There will be no gap in your entitlement. You’ll be paid the same amount when your benefit moves to Scottish Adult DLA.
Motability payments will move automatically
If you have a Motability lease, DWP will continue to pay your lease until the move to Social Security Scotland is complete.
Social Security Scotland will automatically take over any payments to Motability after the move. This means there will be no gap in your Motability payments.
If you're due a review of your DLA
If you're due a review of your DLA award before your benefit starts moving, DWP will contact you.
DWP will manage your benefit and payments until the move to Scottish Adult DLA is complete.
Keep contacting DWP about your review until your benefit has moved to Social Security Scotland.
Get support from an independent advocate
Independent advocates are available to help you with the process of having your benefit moved to Social Security Scotland. An advocate can support you to have your say and know your rights. Find out more about how an advocate can help you.
The Independent Advocacy Service is provided by VoiceAbility.
If you need an advocate, you should:
- contact Social Security Scotland
- ask them to refer you to the Independent Advocacy Service
Contact Social Security Scotland:
- free on 0800 182 2222
- webchat
- Text Relay Service on 18001 +0300 244 4000
British Sign Language users can use the Contact Scotland service.
You can also contact VoiceAbility direct:
- 0300 303 1660
- voiceability.org
- SocialSecurityAdvocacy@voiceability.org
Get local benefits advice
If you need help or advice about your DLA moving to Scottish Adult DLA, there are local organisations who can give you advice and support.
Get this information in other formats
You can call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222. Opening times are 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Find out what to do if you need help contacting Social Security Scotland, or are calling from abroad.
If you're a British Sign Language user, you can use the Contact Scotland BSL app to contact Social Security Scotland by video call.
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