‘Degrading’ benefits tests axed

SCOTS eligible for disability benefit will not be subject to ‘degrading functional examinations’, ministers have said.

As applications for the new Adult Disability Payment open today, Holyrood’s social security minister Ben Macpherson said those seeking funds would be met with ‘fairness and respect’.

The scheme, which replaces the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), is designed to provide financial support to people aged between 16 and the state pension age who are disabled, have a long-term health condition or have a terminal illness. Mr Macpherson said it was a ‘milestone’ in the development of the new social security system.

Those already receiving the PIP and Disability Living Allowance will be transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions to Social Security Scotland.

Mr Macpherson said: ‘In our Scottish system no one will be subject to DWPstyle assessments or degrading functional examinations, and we will never use the private sector to carry out health examinations.

‘People will only be invited to a consultation when we require more information so we can make a decision.

‘This will be a conversation with a health and social care professional to understand how a person’s disability or health condition impacts them.’

The benefit, worth between £24.45 and £157.90 per week, will be paid to more than 300,000 people once the transfer is completed by the end of 2025.

The benefit is being launched for applications after pilot schemes in 13 council areas, which began in March.

Moira Tasker of Inclusion Scotland described the benefit as a ‘leap forward’.