A landmark review of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has hailed the initial rollout as an ‘historic milestone’ and outlined changes still needed to align the benefit’s criteria and delivery with Scotland’s ambition for a system underpinned by fairness and dignity.

The largest and most complex devolved benefit, ADP, which is set to replace Personal Independence Payments (PIP), has brought ‘several welcome changes’, the government-commissioned independent review states.

It makes a series recommendations to the Scottish government and Social Security Scotland which delivers the benefit to ensure ADP “works better for everyone who needs it.”

Among these are sustainable funding for welfare advice services to improve access and eligibility centred on the real-life experience of clients, rather a list of activities.

Charities have meanwhile welcomed the recommendation to scrap the “20 metre rule” used in assessing people’s mobility as part of assigning which level of funding they receive.

While recognising the progress, review chair, experienced charity leader Edel Harris emphasised the need to make the benefits system easier to navigate:

“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.

“This review highlights the importance of a system that is not only compassionate, but practical and accessible.”

Stigma and inclusivity 

The review recommends the government reinstate an “expert by experience” group to guide the wider delivery of ADP across Scotland, noting the continued perceived stigma about applying for disability benefits.

While there is a pilot underway to ensure a trauma-informed approach is embedded in Scotland’s benefits system, the report emphasises the need to produce a framework to embed trauma-informed principles in Social Security Scotland’s practice.

It says strategies must be developed to more effectively engage with seldom-heard voices and individuals who may be eligible but do not apply due to stigma.

One individual cited in the report, illustrated the difference in decision letters, highlighted the value in clearly explaining the system and criteria:

“The award letter explained perfectly why I received points for each section and although it was really upsetting and quite shocking to read that back about myself and realise the seriousness of my conditions, I felt that they did it with understanding, compassion and most importantly respect. Something I never received from PIP.”

While highlighting improvements compared to the delivery of PIP, the review recommends Social Security Scotland create more personalised, inclusive communication.

It says updating guidance and documents must always be available in accessible formats, while  providing a point of contact throughout the application and re-determination process will help improving trust.

Change is needed, the review says, at ‘all points in the journey’, with the report authors hearing that no reasonable adjustments are promoted in the application process and Social Security Scotland staff have fail to respond to access or communication needs.

Fluctuating conditions

Review chair Ms Harris said that issues with the benefit’s eligibility criteria must be addressed for Scotland’s social security system to be the “investment in people” it aims to be.

She says there is a balance to be struck to achieve a system that is ‘individualised and curious but not overly burdensome’, and she hopes the review will help deliver a ‘truly world-leading’ disability system.

Two years since charities called for the 20m rule which contributed to distinguishing between levels of funding to be scrapped, the review recommendations align with this.

It says Social Security Scotland should ‘undertake a thorough review’ of its eligibility and decision-making system and adopt a more individualised, less restrictive approach.

Such a process should allow people to ‘define how they manage on their worst days’ and the impact that has on other days to improve fairness in decision-making.

The review says questions asked of applications for ADP should account for variability as well as any triggers and actions needed to manage conditions.

Case managers should focus on ensuring consistency in decisions and fully understanding the impact of fluctuating conditions on the life and wellbeing of applicants.

Ms Harris encourages ministers to use the review’s findings to design a disability benefit system that is person-centred, equitable and supportive of disabled people’s needs now and in the future.

Leading the call for this shift has been the multiple sclerosis (MS) charity, MS Society – which estimates around half of Scots living with MS are claiming ADP – and its Scotland Director welcomed the review.

Jo Anderson said avoiding “rigid” criteria that could make it impossible to meet the needs of people living with fluctuating symptoms is vital, adding:

“We’re pleased the voice of the MS community has been listened to throughout the review process.”

She said the charity will continue to engage with the Scottish government to around the findings of the report and supports needed for people living with life-long conditions like MS.

Read more: ‘Big leaps’ needed to secure change for disabled people; Adult disability review chair appointed; Scotland’s ‘invisible’ patients and carers; Growing health concerns for Scotland’s unpaid carers

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