ADP Self-Assessment Tool

What is ADP and who can claim it?

Adult Disability Payment (ADP) is a Scottish Government benefit for people aged 16 to pension age whose daily life or ability to get around is affected by a disability, long-term health condition, or mental health condition. It replaced Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland from July 2022.

ADP is not means-tested — your income, savings, and whether you work do not affect whether you get it or how much you receive.

How the points system works

ADP uses a two-component structure: Daily Living (10 activities) and Mobility (2 activities). Each activity has a set of descriptors with associated points. The key rule is that you score the highest applicable descriptor for each activity based on how you are on the majority of your days.

The two components are assessed independently. You can receive any combination — for example, Enhanced Daily Living only, or Standard Daily Living plus Enhanced Mobility. The maximum award is £187.45 per week (both Enhanced components).

The "safely, reliably, repeatedly, timely" test

An activity is only considered "manageable" if you can do it:

• Safely — without causing significant harm to yourself or others
• Reliably — to an acceptable standard
• Repeatedly — as often as you reasonably need to
• In a reasonable time — no more than twice as long as most people

If you can only do an activity by using an aid or appliance, with another person's help, or under supervision, you still score points — you don't have to be unable to do it completely.

ADP vs PIP: the key differences

The underlying points criteria are similar to PIP, but the application experience is fundamentally different. Under ADP:

• No automatic face-to-face assessment — most applications are decided on paper or by phone
• A supportive approach from case workers
• Redetermination (free review) before any appeal to the tribunal
• No "functional assessments" by private contractors — Social Security Scotland handles everything

ADP as a gateway benefit

Receiving ADP can unlock additional support:

• Carer Support Payment — if someone cares for you for 35+ hours per week and you receive the Daily Living component at Standard or Enhanced rate
• Free bus travel — Enhanced Mobility ADP qualifies for a National Entitlement Card (free bus pass)
• Vehicle tax exemption — Enhanced Mobility at the higher rate (equivalent to PIP Enhanced Mobility) qualifies for a free vehicle tax disc
• Blue Badge — Enhanced Mobility recipients automatically qualify for a Blue Badge in Scotland
• Motability Scheme — Enhanced Mobility ADP qualifies for the scheme

How to apply

Apply online at mygov.scot, by phone on 0800 182 2222, or request a paper form. You can have a supporter (friend, family member, or advocacy worker) help you at every stage. Gather supporting evidence before you apply: GP letters, hospital correspondence, prescription lists, and any functional assessments from physiotherapists or occupational therapists.

Describe your worst days. The assessment is based on the majority of days — if you struggle on more than 50% of days, that harder descriptor applies to you.