Lawmakers have gained insights into how the rising cost of living and associated mental health conditions may be driving more Scots to claim disability benefits. The Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) has reasoned that escalating costs might prompt individuals to seek alternate benefits from the ones they usually would apply for.
The SFC stated that these patterns are seen throughout the UK as the figures claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reached a record high of almost 3.5 million by October end. This figure doesn’t incorporate the 137,490 Scottish individuals receiving the Adult Disability Payment (ADP). According to recent statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), there were 220,000 new claims for PIP initiated between August and October 2023, marking an 11 per cent rise in comparison to 2022.
During the same period, 38,015 ADP claims were processed in Glasgow, Scotland. Fifty-eight percent of these received an award.
On Thursday, Professor Graeme Roy, the SFC chairman, along with other officials, provided evidence to the Social Justice Committee at Holyrood. They discussed the recent forecast report prepared for the Scottish Budget.
The report assessed that the Government’s social security spending exceeds the funds received from Westminster via block grant adjustments. In the 2024/25 financial year, the gap is expected to be approximately £1.1 billion, with forecasts predicting a rise to £1.5 billion by 2028/29.
Prof Roy presented to the committee the reasoning for this disparity, attributing it to the choices of Scottish ministers to introduce new benefits like the Scottish Child Payment and a differing approach to ADP.
The report from the SFC highlighted Scottish ministers’ decision to implement a social security system that is more “person-centred”.
SNP’s Marie McNair inquired about the links between increased applications for disability benefits across the UK and the cost of living crisis.
Prof Roy pointed out, the pressing cost of living might be heightening concerns around disability and mental health, thereby pushing individuals towards these benefits. He further hinted at the possibility of people opting for potentially higher benefits amidst dwindling household incomes.
Speaking about the possibility of this being a short-term phenomenon linked to the economic cycle, Prof Roy also indicated that exiting the benefit system is usually not a swift process once entered.
He highlighted the “more supportive environment” around ADP compared to PIP, which resulted in fewer people being discouraged from applying.
Disability benefit claims for mental health conditions account for 37% of all claims. The total of 1,288,379 recipients has conditions ranging from anxiety and depressive disorders to OCD.
Forty-one percent of the ADP recipients suffer from mental and behavioural disorders.
PIP and ADP share significant eligibility criteria in Scotland. To seek full guidance on ADP qualifications, please visit the dedicated page on mygov.scot.
Who can qualify for PIP or ADP?
Remember, PIP applications to the DWP are currently taking 15 weeks for processing. For ADP, new applications should be directed to Social Security Scotland, which may take just over 16 weeks for processing.
Eligibility criteria for PIP or ADP:
-
Having difficulties with day-to-day living or mobility continuously for three months
-
Expecting these difficulties to persist for a minimum of nine months
You generally need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country while applying.
(Image: Press Association / PA)
Below, we’ve listed various activities that potential applicants must explore in the context of their condition. If the condition impacts your ability to perform the following, consider applying for PIP or ADP:
- Preparing, cooking, or eating food
- Managing medication
- Personal hygiene tasks (e.g., washing, bathing, toilet use)
- Dressing and undressing
- Interacting and communicating with others
- Reading and understanding written content
- Making decisions about money
- Journey planning and path-following
- Moving around
To know more about different rules for terminally ill individuals, visit GOV.UK website.
Both the DWP and Social Security Scotland will evaluate your competency with everyday living and mobility tasks. They will examine:
- your ability to perform it safely
- How much time it takes you
- how often your condition impacts the activity
- Whether you require help from another person or equipment
How frequently are PIP and ADP disbursed?
PIP and ADP are disbursed every four weeks, whereas those with terminal illnesses receive weekly payments. The payments will be directly made to your bank, building society, or credit union account, and the payment rates for ADP are similar to those for PIP.
What are the PIP and ADP payout rates?
An assessment will determine the financial aid level and your payout rate. This rate will be routinely reviewed to ensure adequate support.
PIP consists of two components:
Your eligibility for one or both, and the exact amount, will be determined based on your condition’s severity.
Your weekly payment will depend on your situation and may fall within the following ranges:
Daily living
-
Standard rate: £68.10
-
Enhanced rate: £101.75
Mobility
-
Standard rate: £26.90
-
Enhanced rate: £71.00
Assessment process
An independent healthcare professional assesses your suitability for PIP, based on your health and the required financial support.
Health-related benefits may be assessed in several ways, through: face-to-face consultations, video calls, phone calls, or paper-based assessments. The manner in which you’ll be evaluated is the decision of the health professional and DWP.
However, assessments for Adult Disability Payment will exclude face-to-face assessments unless the claimant prefers them.
Additional information on DWP PIP assessments is available here.
Join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group for energy and money-saving tips, the latest benefits news, and helpful advice for managing the cost of living crisis.
Sign up to our Record Money newsletter to get top stories delivered to your inbox from Monday to Friday, including a special cost of living edition on Thursdays. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @Recordmoney_ for regular updates throughout the day.
Claiming PIP
To begin the PIP application process, contact the DWP. You’ll find all the necessary information to apply on the GOV.UK website.
Things you’ll need prior to your call:
-
Your contact details
-
Your date of birth
-
Your National Insurance number – this can be found on your tax, pensions and benefits letters
-
Your bank or building society account number and sort code
-
The name, address and phone number of your doctor or health worker
-
Dates and addresses for any time you’ve lived abroad, or been in a hospital or care home
Even if you don’t qualify for financial support, you might be eligible for a National Entitlement Travel Card, which allows discounted or free travel across most public transport links in Scotland. For more information about PIP, visit this link to the GOV.UK website.
How to apply for Adult Disability Payment
ADP applications can be made in several ways, by phone, by post, or in person. Information on how to apply can be found on the mygov.scot website, or you can call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
You can also join the Daily Record’s WhatsApp group for news updates delivered straight to your messages — find out more here.
