PLANS for a new benefit to support adults with a disability or long-term health condition have been unveiled.

Under new proposals, eligible people who receive Disability Living Allowance through the UK Government’s DWP would have their award transferred automatically to the new Scottish benefit named the Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance.

Individuals would then have the option to apply for Adult Disability Payment if they wish.

The benefit will support around 66,000 adults.

Legislation to create the 'closed' benefit, for current recipients of the Disability Living Allowance it replaces, will be introduced in the Scottish Parliament this year.

Natalie Don, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, said: “I am pleased that the Scottish Government is progressing plans to bring forward legislation to create a Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance and give people in Renfrewshire the opportunity to remain on this benefit for as long as they are eligible.

“Once transferred, people can continue to be paid Scottish Adult Disability Allowance or apply for our flagship Adult Disability Payment if they prefer.

“Around 137,000 people are now receiving our Adult Disability Payment, including over 3000 in Renfrewshire based on latest statistics published this month, and it has provided almost £462 million to disabled people since it was launched in 2022.”