Story perspectives

700,000 Disability Claimants Transition to Social Security Scotland

1/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Over 700,000 disability benefits claimants have been transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to Social Security Scotland without re-applications.
The transfer includes Adult and Child Disability Payment and Carer Support Payment.
From April, the DWP aims to increase sustainability in health and disability benefits by expanding face-to-face assessments and raising payment rates by 3.8%, while Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville says claimants should be treated with dignity.

History

Historical Context

The Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 was a landmark UK law prohibiting discrimination against over 6 million disabled individuals, establishing essential rights and access to services. Following protests in the 1990s advocating for disability rights, the Act laid the groundwork for ongoing reforms, including the recent transfer of 700,000 claimants to Social Security Scotland and a 3.8% increase in disability benefits.

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Story summary

Over 700,000 disability benefits claimants have been transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to Social Security Scotland without re-applications.
The transfer includes Adult and Child Disability Payment and Carer Support Payment.
From April, the DWP aims to increase sustainability in health and disability benefits by expanding face-to-face assessments and raising payment rates by 3.8%, while Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville says claimants should be treated with dignity.

1 / 2