Thousands affected by benefits shakeup
More than 11,000 Renfrewshire residents are set to be hit by changes to disability payments.
It comes as the existing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is replaced by the new Adult Disability Payment by the end of August.
A phased rollout of the new benefit across Scotland’s 32 council areas began in March - with some 11,272 Renfrewshire residents who currently claim PIP set to be affected.
The new benefit is for working adults under State Pension age who do not already claim disability benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
It aims to help those living with a disability or long-term health condition which affects everyday life.
Like PIP, it consists of two parts - Daily Living and Mobility - with those in receipt of payments qualifying for either one or both parts, depending on how they are affected by their condition.
It does not matter if the recipient is in work and income and savings are not taken into account.
The Daily Living component of the benefit is for those who need help with tasks, such as preparing food, taking nutrition, managing therapy, bathing, dressing or communicating with others.
Those who are terminally ill benefit from an enhance award of £92.40 weekly, while the standard award sits at £61.85.
The Mobility component of the new benefit is for those who need help planning and following a journey or moving around.
It is paid at a rate of £24.45 for standard level and £64.50 for the enhanced award, which also allows recipients to apply to lease an accessible vehicle.
Payments are made four weekly, or weekly in the case of terminal illness, directly into a bank, building society or credit union account.
Residents who already receive PIP or DLA automatically transfer to the new payment.
PIP and Adult Disability Payment are not both paid at the same time.
Applications for Adult Disability Payment will open this year.
More information on Adult Disability Payment is available at www.mygov.scot/ browse/benefits/adult-disability-payment