Scottish Adult Disability Payments?

[weeghostytoasty]

Has anyone applied for this and can tell me what the process is currently like? I have been disabled by Chronic Migraines for about a decade now and haven't worked in as long. I am technically classes as being on a sickness benefit but I no longer get any payments as my partner earns just over the threshold and so he has to support me. Until recently I had a treatment via the NHS which helped make my life a bit more manageable but it has now been withdrawn (new NHS guidelines) and things are so much worse. I have trauma from applying for benefits in the past and so wanted to avoid applying for any extra support but I'm on my knees and now unable to cope.

If anyone has any experience or advice that would be great, I don't know what to expect at all, if I'd need to attend an appointment for example? How long it takes? Any information would be appreciated.

I didn’t have to attend any appointments, I just filled in a very very long form, which is all about how your disability affects your daily life, they contact your gp for notes, but I also gave them letters from specialists etc, it’s a less stressful thing then pip (at least for me) I think if they need an appt they ring you (but I may be wrong about that) rather then in person

I am not sure my GP would have much information as I don't speak to them about my migraine, just the migraine nurses and neurologist. He took me off a somewhat effective treatment at the start of the year and things have got so much worse for me but I don't see him again until late November so if I apply now they won't have up to day information.

It's a long form you need to complete, you'll wait a while for a decision but it's a fairly straightforward process.

The key is to focus on how your condition impacts you and what it means you can't do on your worst days and what extra help you need. Just saying 'i have this condition and it's painful/traumatic etc' isn't enough. It's a points based application so you need to score enough points to be eligible.

It's unlikely that you would need to attend an appointment, they try to gather as much as they can from people who care for you, this can be doctors but also family members or others. They might phone you to ask for more details.

There are lots of charities with guidance and resources online to help with completing the application.

https://cpag.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-11/Adult%20disability%20payment%20assessment.pdf

This link shows what points are given so take a look and see if you think it would be worth applying. You need 8 points for standard rate and 12 for enhanced.

Voiceability will help you fill out the forms. They met someone I know in the local library and it was friendly and informal.

https://www.voiceability.org/in-scotland/support-to-access-benefits-in-scotland/get-free-independent-support-to-access-social-security-scotland-benefits

@TartanMammy Thank you for that document, its very helpful to see. I think I will need some assistance from someone trained to help me fill it out correctly as if I take Activity 1 for example physically when I am well I can cook unaided. If I am unwell I don't eat or cook because I am in too much pain, too light sensitive or experiencing too much nausea to even think about eating. I suppose if my partner is home when I am ill or recovering he will make me some food, or tea and toast and encourage me to eat. Often times I try to have things prepared in advance to cover me if I am too ill to make food.

Activity 2 again, when I am really ill I don't eat due to nausea and vomiting, I would generally not eat again until I am recovered enough to eat.

Yeah I think I need someone who knows of and how my situation can fit these descriptors. Thank you again for your post though, its really helpful.

@Gingerkittykat Thank you I will email them and ask if they have anyone who could assist me.

Definitely a good shout getting help with the form..100 pages.
Submission of medical evidence strengthens your case and put the help your partner gives.
We were lucky had nice experience with Social security Scotland unlike DWP UC health assessment which was denied we didn't appeal as DW was distressed by the experience.
Hope it's a painless process for you.👍

There’s a local delivery service where they come out to your house to help you fi in the form. They were amazing

https://www.mygov.scot/if-you-need-help-from-social-security-scotland/local-delivery

@Thecarstairsitreallyhurtsmegirl Yes I think I need to arrange for that! I'm glad to hear that you had a good experience. The rejection rate for ADP is apparently higher than for PIP but it seems like they don't dehumanise people in the same way so there should be no harm in applying to see if I am eligible for any support.

@backaftera2yearbreak That you for the link, that is helpful to know they were good.

We got help from local charity,the follow up from Social Security Scotland on the phone was decent as the assessor treated us a human beings.
Wish you all the best with it.

Go to the gp and tell him how bad you are since they stopped the other treatment and see what else can be done.

that way he will have a record of how sick you are and can say there’s nothing else to be done.

THEN apply for benefits. That way it’s done in the right order. I know it feels like you’re wasting an appointment but it’s a ways to a means.

otherwise the gp will say as far as he knows youre ok as he’s not heard from you. You don’t want that as it’s untrue.

@TalulahJP thats Great advice don't put the horse before the cart.
Medical history is key.

@TalulahJP The GP doesn't deal with my Migraines it's the neurology doctors and nurses at the Migraine clinic at the hospital who do. The surgery pharmacy team have been dealing with my the medications my neurologist last suggested I try. I need to call them and tell them that they aren't helping and how bad it's been, at least then it is on my records. I have a neurology telephone appointment in a few weeks so will bring the nurses up to date then and ask about what can be done next, if they can help me get a supporting letter for the application while we try to find a treatment that helps.

Your GP should be copied into all communication from neurology, so it will appear on your file with the GP any treatment and contact you have had with them.

My dp and is under rheumatology but all his notes are on record with the GP too, even though he never sees the GP.

@TartanMammy I am going to keep a diary for the next few weeks of how exactly I am affected and then review it prior to my next neurology appointment. Once I have them up to date I will decide on applying for ADP and seek out some assistance. Hopefully they will also offer me some new kind of treatment.