Guides › Public Services › Adult Disability Payment in Scotland: How It Replaces PIP
Adult Disability Payment in Scotland: How It Replaces PIP
If you live in Scotland you apply for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) from Social Security Scotland instead of PIP. You cannot get PIP and ADP at the same time. If you already get PIP, Social Security Scotland moves you to ADP and you do not need to apply. You can apply online, where part 1 is due within 14 days and part 2 within 56 days, or by phone and paper form, which you have 8 weeks to return.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Adult Disability Payment
Instead of PIP
You cannot get PIP and Adult Disability Payment at the same time. If you already get PIP, Social Security Scotland will move your benefit to ADP and you do not need to apply. If you apply for PIP from Scotland, it is treated as an ADP application. source
Applying
Apply online through your account, where you submit part 1 within 14 days and part 2 within 56 days, or by phone, when you get a paper form with 8 weeks to return it. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 14 daysOnline part 1Then part 2 within 56 days
- 8 weeksReturn the paper formIf you applied by phone
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Apply online or by phone to Social Security Scotland.
Step 2 of 5
Note the deadlines for each part.
Step 3 of 5
Gather medical evidence and a list of your needs.
Step 4 of 5
Ask Social Security Scotland for help with the application if needed.
Step 5 of 5
Get free advice from Citizens Advice Scotland.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Social Security Scotland
Runs Adult Disability Payment in Scotland.
Citizens Advice Scotland
Free help with Social Security Scotland benefits.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Social Security Scotland decisions have their own challenge route, which is different from DWP mandatory reconsideration.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- mygov.scot/adult-disability-payment/how-to-apply Checked 15 October 2026