Disabled people and carers who move to Scotland from elsewhere in the UK are being urged to take action to ensure their financial support continues.
The Scottish Government has introduced its own versions of several UK benefits, including Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance for children and Carer’s Allowance.
From November 6th, anyone receiving one of these benefits who moves to Scotland will need to apply for the replacement payments through Social Security Scotland.
To avoid any disruption to payments, people should apply as soon as possible after moving. Before applying, they must also inform the Department for Work and Pensions or the Department of Communities in Northern Ireland about their move.
Karyn Dunning, deputy director at Social Security Scotland, said: “It’s vital disabled people and carers who move to Scotland take action to ensure they continue to get the financial support they are entitled to.
“We know applying for benefits can feel daunting, especially alongside moving to a new country, but there is an in-depth guide available on mygov.scot.
“Our staff are also here to answer questions and help people apply. We can provide help over the phone, through webchat or through a face-to-face appointment with one of our community-based advisors.
“I urge people not to put off applying. The Scottish approach to benefits is very different from that of the DWP. For example, we do not use private sector assessors to make decisions.
“Our system is built on the principles of dignity, fairness and respect, and we want disabled people and carers to get every penny they’re entitled to.”
The new Scottish benefits are called Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, and Carer Support Payment.
For more information, visit www.mygov.scot/moving-to-scotland or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.