Latest news with #SocialSecurityScotland
STV News
an hour ago
- Politics
- STV News
Disability payment should be simplified and made more accessible, review finds
An independent review of the Scottish disability payment has called for the benefit to be simplified and made more accessible. Led by charity leader Edel Harris, the review calls for automatic entitlement to the benefit in some cases. The report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, found while the adult disability payment is more 'compassionate' than the UK benefit it replaced, some people still face barriers and distress when applying. Ms Harris welcomed several changes from the previous assessments carried out by the UK Department for Work and Pensions, but said there is more to be done to deliver a human rights-based approach to the benefit that delivers for disabled people. The chairwoman of the Adult Disability Payment Review made more than 50 recommendations to improve the service. They include embedding a 'trauma-informed, stigma-free' approach to assessments, simplifying the application process, improving communication from staff, and reviewing the eligibility criteria. The report recommends the application process is made easier for those with fluctuating conditions and mental health problems, and calls for welfare advice services to be sustainably funded. Ms Harris said: 'Adult disability payment has been described by many as a step-change – kinder in tone and more dignified in approach. 'But too often, disabled people still find the system difficult to navigate, time-consuming, and anxiety-inducing. 'I heard consistently that if we are to realise social security as an investment in people, it is important to ensure that the eligibility criteria fulfil this goal. 'This review highlights the importance of a system that is not only compassionate, but practical and accessible. 'The recommendations are based on real experiences and a shared commitment to making adult disability payment work better for everyone who needs it.' Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: 'The Scottish Government's approach to providing social security is a compassionate one, based on dignity, fairness and respect, and I am very encouraged to read the feedback from disabled people that this has been reflected in their positive interactions with Social Security Scotland. 'While the UK Government seeks to make cuts to the vital support disabled people rely on, I want to make clear that we will not cut adult disability payment. 'Instead, we will work to protect and enhance Scotland's social security system, improving on what we have achieved so far. 'I very much appreciate the comprehensive recommendations this report provides for how we can improve adult disability payment.' Ms Somerville said the Scottish Government will 'carefully consider all of the recommendations' in the report and provide its initial response by January next year. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Calls for Scottish disability payment to be simplified
Led by charity leader Edel Harris, the review calls for automatic entitlement to the benefit in some cases. An independent review of the Scottish disability payment has called for the benefit to be simplified and made more accessible. The report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, found while the adult disability payment is more 'compassionate' than the UK benefit it replaced, some people still face barriers and distress when applying. Ms Harris welcomed several changes from the previous assessments carried out by the UK Department for Work and Pensions, but said there is more to be done to deliver a human rights-based approach to the benefit that delivers for disabled people. The chairwoman of the Adult Disability Payment Review made more than 50 recommendations to improve the service. They include embedding a 'trauma-informed, stigma-free' approach to assessments, simplifying the application process, improving communication from staff, and reviewing the eligibility criteria. The report recommends the application process is made easier for those with fluctuating conditions and mental health problems, and calls for welfare advice services to be sustainably funded. Ms Harris said: 'Adult disability payment has been described by many as a step-change – kinder in tone and more dignified in approach. 'But too often, disabled people still find the system difficult to navigate, time-consuming, and anxiety-inducing. 'I heard consistently that if we are to realise social security as an investment in people, it is important to ensure that the eligibility criteria fulfil this goal. 'This review highlights the importance of a system that is not only compassionate, but practical and accessible. 'The recommendations are based on real experiences and a shared commitment to making adult disability payment work better for everyone who needs it.' Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: 'The Scottish Government's approach to providing social security is a compassionate one, based on dignity, fairness and respect, and I am very encouraged to read the feedback from disabled people that this has been reflected in their positive interactions with Social Security Scotland. 'While the UK Government seeks to make cuts to the vital support disabled people rely on, I want to make clear that we will not cut adult disability payment. 'Instead, we will work to protect and enhance Scotland's social security system, improving on what we have achieved so far. 'I very much appreciate the comprehensive recommendations this report provides for how we can improve adult disability payment.' Ms Somerville said the Scottish Government will 'carefully consider all of the recommendations' in the report and provide its initial response by January next year.
BBC News
2 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Call to simplify Scottish disability benefits system
Access to Scotland's adult disability benefits should be made easier despite forecasts of a steep increase in claims and costs, an independent review has said.A report commissioned by ministers said the Adult Disability Payment was a "great foundation" which was "significantly more compassionate" than benefits on offer in the rest of the it said too many disabled people still found the system difficult to navigate, and said eligibility criteria should be it stands, the number of people claiming the payment is forecast to grow from 379,000 in 2024-25 to 703,000 in 2030-31. The cost is set to increase to over £5.4bn per year - a price Scottish ministers say they are willing to pay to have a more generous system. The Adult Disability Payment (ADP) was introduced in 2022, a cornerstone of the devolved social security agency which was being set is a regular payment to help people cover the added costs of having a disability or long-term health condition, regardless of whether they are in work or is essentially a replacement for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and 99% of cases have now been transferred from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to Social Security actual payments handed out are the same as PIP - a standard weekly award for daily living costs of £73.90, or an enhanced award of £ the review - conducted by Edel Harris, who has led a number of charity and care organisations - said the Scottish approach to assessments was "significantly more compassionate" than the DWP system it said it was "kinder in tone and more dignified in approach".And indeed fully a third of people now getting ADP are new applicants, who had not been in receipt of either PIP or the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).That is only set to grow. The number of people receiving ADP is forecast to surpass 700,000 by the end of the is more than 12% of the Scottish that is not such a large number when the last census suggested 24% of Scots had some form of disability or long-term health problem limiting their day-to-day it carries with it a huge financial spending on social security benefits in Scotland was £5.3bn in 2023-24. It is forecast to hit £7.7bn next year, and £9.4bn by is by far the biggest element of that figure - by 2030-31 it will cost £ context, that is more than ten times the price of the Scottish Child Payment, and more than 30 times the Scottish version of the winter fuel the gap between the ever-increasing cost of these benefits and the funding available in the block grant from Westminster is growing the end of the decade it will hit £2bn - money that Scottish ministers will need to find elsewhere in budgets by cutting from other departments or by increasing taxes. Ms Harris is keen for new applicants to continue to come forward, regardless of the report states that "there is evidence of the economic value of the wellbeing impacts of disability benefits, and these significantly outweigh the financial costs associated with administering them".She says that "not only should we continue to encourage people to apply for Adult Disability Payment, but we also need to make the application process as accessible and anxiety-reducing as possible".The report makes 50 recommendations about simplifying the system and making it easier for people to also argues that eligibility for the payment should be based on "the real life experience of clients and not just on a list of activities".At present, eligibility is based on specific things people might need help with. Examples include preparing food, eating and drinking, washing and bathing, getting dressed and communicating respondents told the review that "having to take the time to highlight issues and what you can't do is depressing, demoralising and unfair", and that "it feels like you're having to beg for help".Ms Harris recommended moving from this system to a bigger-picture approach based on outcomes and equal participation in society. The Scottish government says it will consider the report and set out its formal response in January in many ways they are singing from the same hymn sheet the UK government was endeavouring to restrict eligibility for disability payments - only to perform a series of climbdowns due to backbench revolts - Scottish ministers were very clear that they would not be making any Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has stated that she sees benefits as an investment in the people of that language is actually written into the legislation underpinning Social Security underlines the very different approaches taken by the Scottish and UK administrations, both of which are faced with a spiralling bill for working-age benefits at a time of tight budgets and weak UK government has sought to bring the number of claimants - and thus the cost of welfare - down, while maintaining the Chancellor's "fiscal rules" against increasing personal taxes or state say the existing system is broken and that it needs to be made sustainable for future generations, while prioritising those who need help the most. Generous system funded by higher taxes Scottish ministers' generosity will doubtless be popular - in particular with those receiving the payments - but we should not pretend that it was an easy choice to has been funded by higher taxes, with the Scottish system now featuring six different income tax bands which ask higher earners to contribute hundreds or even thousands of pounds more per year than if they lived down latest plan to balance the books involves reducing the public sector workforce by 0.5% per year for the next five Security Scotland itself has been singled out for "important efficiency savings", while health boards have also been asked to make 3% of that is based on the system as it currently stands, prior to consideration of Ms Harris's that is why ministers need another six months to decide how to respond - there is a difficult balancing act to be carried out here, and it will take place at the same time as the government is drawing up its next budget.
The National
3 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Calls for disability benefits to be simplified following review
The independent review highlighted that while the ADP is significantly more compassionate than the UK benefit it replaced, some people still face barriers, complexity and distress when applying for it. The review noted that although the ending of the DWP-style assessments and recognises the compassionate approach of Social Security Scotland staff, it concluded that there is still more that can be done to deliver a truly human-rights-based approach. The review made more than 50 recommendations, including that eligibility for ADP should be based on the real-life experience of clients and not just on a list of activities, along with recommending that the application process should be made easier for those with fluctuating conditions, mental health problems, and also take into consideration the environment in which the person lives. READ MORE: Hedge fund boss and Labour donor buys Scottish island as last residents leave The report also called for sustainable funding for welfare advice services, more inclusive communication, and automatic entitlement in some circumstances. Edel Harris, chair of the Adult Disability Payment Review and experienced charity leader, said the review recommendations are based on real experiences and a shared commitment to make ADP work better for everyone who needs it. She said: 'Adult Disability Payment has been described by many as a step change - kinder in tone and more dignified in approach. But too often, disabled people still find the system difficult to navigate, time-consuming, and anxiety-inducing. 'I heard consistently that if we are to realise social security as an investment in people, it is important to ensure that the eligibility criteria fulfil this goal. 'This review highlights the importance of a system that is not only compassionate, but practical and accessible.' The review engaged extensively with disabled people and the organisations that support them. It drew on evidence from a public consultation, written submissions, in-person and online events, and the lived experience of an advisory group made up of third sector representatives, disabled people and people with long-term health conditions. Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said she felt 'very encouraged' to read the feedback from disabled people about their positive interactions with Social Security Scotland. (Image: Jane Barlow) Somerville added that the Scottish Government's approach to providing social security is a compassionate one, based on dignity, fairness and respect. She said: 'While the UK Government seeks to make cuts to the vital support disabled people rely on, I want to make clear that we will not cut Adult Disability Payment. 'Instead, we will work to protect and enhance Scotland's social security system, improving on what we have achieved so far. I very much appreciate the comprehensive recommendations this report provides for how we can improve Adult Disability Payment. Somerville thanked Harris for her 18-months' worth of work conducting the review as she added: 'The Scottish Government will now carefully consider all of the recommendations and provide its initial response by January 2026.' Harris visited Inspire by Community Integrated Care, an Aberdeen-based charity supporting adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs. The visit offered an insight into the role of social security in promoting independence, inclusion, and dignity. Community Integrated Care's managing director for Scotland, Sara Murphy, welcomed the review as said: 'As a care provider, we see every day how inclusive, person-centred support enables people to build confidence, develop skills, and live more independently. 'We welcome the review's call for a system that truly listens to disabled people and reflects their real-life experiences. We hope it leads to meaningful change that makes accessing support fairer, simpler, and more empowering for those who need it.'
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
How long PIP payments last and people likely to receive just a 'light touch' review
More than 3.7 million people are claiming PIP in Great Britain and there are six types of claimants who are more likely to have had a disability benefit award for five years or more The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that over 3.7 million people across Great Britain are now claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP), marking a record high in disability benefits for working-age individuals, with reforms set to take place next year. Social Security Scotland's recent data indicates that as of the end of April, approximately 476,295 individuals were receiving Adult Disability Payments (ADP), the devolved benefit that has superseded all new claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland. However, those applying for PIP or ADP may not realise that the duration of a successful award can vary. The shortest award lasts nine months, while the longest is an ongoing award with a 'light touch' review every 10 years. Over 65% of individuals claiming PIP for a visual disease have been granted an award for five years or more. While more than half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have received a longer award, along with 49.5% of individuals with a neurological condition like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. For those considering making a new claim for PIP, or Adult Disability Payment, it's crucial to understand that award lengths vary and can last between nine months and up to 10 years, however, DWP data only records awards given up to 'five years or longer'. The latest version of the PIP Handbook explains that the decision maker will award PIP based on how the claimant's health condition or disability affects their daily life and their ability to live independently. It further states: "The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances." It's crucial to note that the DWP guidance also indicates most claimants will have their award regularly reviewed, "regardless of the length of the award" to ensure "everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support". Some claimants will receive a limited term award for a fixed period of up to two years - the DWP says these awards will not be reviewed, reports the Daily Record. Limited awards with no review date are given where the claimant's health condition may be reasonably expected to improve. Ongoing awards with a 'light touch' review A 'light touch' review is typically awarded to claimants who have: very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time. high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse. a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age. a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age. The DWP guidance states: "These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review." The annual increase of 1.7% will see people on disability benefits receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week during the 2025/26 financial year - some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Over the next year, this will see people on the highest awards receive an extra £9,747 in cash assistance. It's crucial to understand that the maximum sum of £749.80 is based on an individual receiving the highest award for both daily living and mobility components. Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer It's vital to note that individuals with varying health conditions can be granted PIP for up to five years or more. The award is determined by how the condition impacts the claimant. The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants at the end of April 2025. Visual disease 58,539 38,112 Musculoskeletal disease (general) 697,476 365,238 52% Neurological disease 472,121 252,214 Respiratory disease 137,957 66,647 Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) 19,921 9,310 Musculoskeletal disease (regional) 440,684 202.317 46% Total number of PIP claimants 3,744,671 1,631,688 44% Below is a summary of PIP and ADP. Although new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, it shares most of the same eligibility criteria. Comprehensive guidance on ADP can be found on the website here. Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP? To qualify for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months. expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months. You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to the above, if you require assistance due to your condition with any of the following, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP. eating, drinking or preparing food washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence dressing and undressing talking, listening, reading and understanding managing your medicines or treatments making decisions about money mixing with other people working out a route and following it physically moving around leaving your home Different rules apply if you are terminally ill, which can be found on the website. The DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. They will examine each task in detail: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment How are PIP and ADP paid? PIP and ADP are typically paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case payments are made weekly. Payments will be directly deposited into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. PIP and ADP payment rates 2025/26 An assessment will determine the level of financial aid you will receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are receiving the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP consists of two components: Daily living Mobility Whether you receive one or both of these and the amount depends on the severity of your condition's impact on you. Depending on your circumstances, you will be paid the following amounts per week: Daily living Standard: £73.90 Enhanced: £110.40 Mobility Standard: £29.20 Enhanced: £77.05 How you are assessed An independent healthcare professional will assess you to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are available, along with video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's crucial to note that the health professional and DWP decide which type of assessment is most suitable for each claimant. Adult Disability Payment assessments will not require face-to-face assessments, unless this is the claimant's preference. Wondering how to make a claim for PIP? You can initiate a new claim by getting in touch with the DWP, all the necessary information you need to apply can be found on the website here. Before you ring up, ensure you have: your contact details your date of birth your National Insurance number - this can be found on letters about tax, pensions and benefits your bank or building society account number and sort code the name, address and telephone number of your doctor or health worker dates and addresses for any periods you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital How to apply for ADP Individuals can apply for ADP over the phone, by post or in-person. To learn more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on here or ring Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
