Be aware that this benefit is for people in Scotland only.

Adult Disability Payment provides extra money to help with costs if you have a disability or long-term health condition that affects you on a daily basis.

Wait times

Like Child Disability Payment, the exact wait time is unknown – I have seen wait times range from 7 weeks, to 6 months, or in some cases even longer.

To be eligible, you must be between 16 and State Pension age. You do not need a diagnosis to apply. Note that you cannot get PIP, DLA and ADP at the same time.

It is made up of 2 components: daily living and mobility.

The daily living section covers needing support with: food preparation and eating and drinking, how you manage therapy and monitoring a health condition, managing toilet needs (including incontinence) and bathing, how you find engaging socially face-to-face.
The mobility sections covers needing support with: Planning and following a journey and moving around.

To apply for part 1 you’ll need:

• Details such as date of birth and main address
• National Insurance Number
• Bank, building society, or credit union account details

Part 1 must be submitted within 14 days of creating your myaccount.

For part 2 of the application you’ll need:

• Information on your condition, disability or symptoms, even if you don’t have a diagnosis
• Information or reports on any medical tests, as well as results if you have them
• Contact details for anyone who could provide more information about your condition, disability or symptoms, such as someone who looks after you, or a family member

Part 2 must be submitted within 8 weeks (56 days) – but you can ask for more time if needed.

The types of questions to expect can be found here – these should only be used as a reference.

You can apply for ADP over the phone – part 1 of the application will be completed over the phone, and part 2 will be a paper form sent to you that must be completed within 8 weeks.

If your application is successful

You will receive a letter that will explain which parts of Adult Disability Payment you’ll get, and how much you will receive for each part. Your letter will include a list of the 12 activities, whether you were awarded points, and the decisions behind it.

If your application is unsuccessful

If you disagree with the decision of your claim, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration.

Disclaimer: To the best of my ability, the information found on this website is correct at the time of writing.

Page last updated: 19/01/2026