Thousands of disabled Scots moved to benefits system ‘rooted in compassion’

Almost 350,000 disabled people in Scotland have now been transferred to a new benefits system “rooted in compassion”, the Social Justice Secretary has said.

Those who were getting the personal independence payment (Pip) from the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have successfully transferred to Social Security Scotland, it said, and will receive the adult disability payment.

The new benefit became available in Scotland three years ago as the Scottish Parliament gained powers over social security.

The payment provides money to help with the additional costs that come with being disabled or having a long-term health condition that affects someone’s life.

Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The transfer to adult disability payment from Pip was a monumental challenge that we’ve delivered for people across Scotland.

“Nearly 350,000 individuals had their data safely and securely moved from the DWP’s systems to ours without having to make a new application for assistance. We also ensured there was no break in their payments.

“This month marks three years since adult disability payment was available across Scotland, the achievement of our ambitious plan to deliver an entirely new approach to disability assistance rooted in compassion.

“That approach will continue to be at the heart of social security in Scotland. That is why I can assure people the Scottish Government will not cut adult disability payment. We will never seek to balance the books on the backs of disabled people.

“While the UK Government has caused so much anxiety for disabled people in recent months, that is not an approach the Scottish Government will take. We will ensure disabled people will get the support they are entitled to and be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.”

Social Security Scotland said it has made specific changes from the Pip system, including using information from professionals, such as their GP or support worker, who know the disabled person when making decisions on the level of assistance needed.

The UK DWP benefits agency outsources assessments to private firms.

Disability charity Garvald Edinburgh’s chief executive, Colum Porter, said: “It is good news that all adults in Scotland have now moved to adult disability payment and will be supported by a benefits system built on dignity, fairness and respect.

“Many people do not understand how expensive it is to be disabled. Disabled adults and their carers can face many additional costs, and it is vital they get the financial support they need.

“Applying for benefits can be daunting and many people have had difficult experiences applying for Pip.”

A UK Government spokesperson said: “We are fixing the broken welfare system we inherited so it helps people in Scotland to live with dignity and helps them into work, while ensuring the safety net will always be there for the most vulnerable.

“Our reforms mean more people in Scotland will be supported into good, secure jobs – backed by £3.8 billion of employment support – boosting living standards and growing the economy as part of our plan for change.

“We’re also increasing the standard rate of universal credit so claimants across Scotland have more money in their pockets, as well as raising the national living wage, and giving additional support to the poorest households.”