Bruce Crawford MSP and Stirling SNP Councillor Evelyn Tweed have expressed their delight at news that the SNP Scottish Government continues to press ahead with delivering Scotland’s new benefits system despite the challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People Shirley-Anne Somerville announced this week that Social Security Scotland will continue to press ahead with rolling out a raft of new benefits that will benefit those in Stirling.
The next benefit that will be rolled out across Scotland will be the Child Disability Payment, with applications opening in the Summer of 2021.
This will be followed by the Adult Disability Payment, which is set to be piloted from Spring 2022 and rolled out across the country by the Summer of that year.
Once the Adult Disability Payment is fully rolled out, those who are on Personal Independent Payment or Disability Living Allowance will be automatically switched to the new system, and not have to face another DWP face-to-face assessment.
Commenting, Bruce Crawford MSP said:
‘I am delighted that the Scottish Government can continue with the rollout of its game-changing social security system, despite the challenges presented to it by COVID-19.
‘Alongside the Job Start Payment, Child Winter Heating Assistance and the Scottish Child Payment, Scotland continues to develop a benefits system which helps those that need it most.’
Evelyn Tweed, Stirling SNP Councillor said:
‘As the pandemic continues, it is vital that the Scottish Government continues to support people in Stirling, especially into the winter months.
‘The transition from the UK government benefits system to the new Scottish system will give service users some piece of mind, that they won’t have to go through what can be a distressing DWP assessment.
‘The SNP and the Scottish Government will continue to develop a social security system which is kind, compassionate and caring – and helps lift people out of poverty.’
Notes
- This update follows an announcement in April 2020 that outlined the impact of COVID-19 on the introduction of further devolved benefits, which can be found at https://news.gov.scot/speeches-and-briefings/statement-on-covid-19-update-on-devolved-benefits
- Position papers setting out what disability benefits under the Scottish Government will look like were published last month, these can be found at https://www.gov.scot/collections/social-security-policy-position-papers/
- From week commencing 23 November 2020, Social Security Scotland will administer a total of ten benefits on behalf of the Scottish Government. More information on these can be found at mygov.scot/benefits or by calling 0800 182 2222.
Work is continuing with the UK Government to establish timelines for Scottish Carer’s Assistance, the other disability related benefits and winter benefits. People will continue to get their payments in the meantime under agency agreements with DWP.
