An independent review has said that access to Scotland's adult disability benefit should be made easier. Many disabled people find the system difficult to navigate and said eligibility criteria should be reviewed.
The benefit 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 not.
It 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 Scotland. The actual payments are the same as PIP - a standard weekly award for daily living costs of £73.90, or an enhanced award of £110.40.
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).
The number of people receiving ADP is forecast to surpass 700,000 by the end of the decade. That is more than 12% of the Scottish population.
The last census suggested 24% of Scots had some form of disability or long-term health problem limiting their day-to-day activities.
For 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 payment.
Boost is for community-led organisations across Scotland supporting local people affected by poverty or disadvantage
It is a partnership programme between the STV Children’s Appeal, Comic Relief, Foundation Scotland, Corra and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The fund is bigger this year, with £750,000 available
For groups interested in applying:
Many people on low incomes face limited access to affordable credit – often paying more simply because they’re poorer.
Fair by Designi are calling for fairer alternatives, including a Fair Banking Act and No Interest Loan Schemes.
Check out our new three-page briefing on credit and the poverty premium, setting out the problems and the solutions.
Fife Health Charity has published its 2024–2025 Impact Report, showcasing a year of transformative projects that have supported patients, NHS staff, and communities across Fife.
The fund awarded over half a million in 2024/25 from bereavement support for families and young people, to cutting-edge simulation training for NHS staff, the report highlights the breadth and depth of the charity’s work.
Full report below
As always, please get in touch with Sheena Watson (Fife Council) or Audrey Whyte (CARF) if you would like more information on any of this week’s content. We would also value any contributions you would like to make towards future editions.
Contact: Sheena Watson
Email: sheena.watson@fife.gov.uk
