Here’s how we’re bringing a culture of fairness, dignity, and respect to Scottish social security

History was made last year when the Scottish Government launched their new social security system, the first new Scottish public service since devolution.

Following the successful launch of two new benefits – the Carer’s Allowance Supplement and the Best Start Grant pregnancy and baby payment – four new benefits will launch this year, and today the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security has announced the plans for the roll out of remaining devolved benefits.

Here’s what you need to know.

On 1 April 2020, the Scottish Government will take full responsibility for the remaining devolved payments – this means both payment and policy. They will then start delivering disability and carers benefits in the summer, moving on to other devolved benefits.

By the end of 2021 we’ll be delivering new claims for all disability and carers assistance, supporting families with a severely disabled child with their winter fuel bills, delivering an additional payment to carers who look after more than one disabled child, will have made the first payments for Winter Heating Assistance and Cold Spell Heating Assistance.

After the roll out of new claims, we will begin the transfer of over half a million clients from DWP to Social Security Scotland – 10 per cent of our population. We want to ensure people continue to receive the correct payments at the correct time, and this is the safest and most secure way to ensure we protect people and their payments.

With DWP cooperation we expect the majority of people to be transferred by 2023, with all cases fully transferred in 2024.

Both Universal Credit and PIP are years overdue and have caused real difficulties for people who should be entitled to rely on this support, forcing more people to turn to food banks and some disabled people suffering degrading assessments to qualify for PIP.

We have learned from the failings of the UK Government’s disastrous introduction of Universal Credit and the transfer from Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Payments, and we will not take risks that endanger people’s payments.

In contrast, at the point of transfer, existing recipients will not be required to make a new claim; they will not be reassessed for Disability Assistance; and payments will be protected.

This work is in parallel to that already outlined paying carers and low income families more through our Carers Allowance Supplement, Young Carers Grant, and Best Start Grant, and our Funeral Expense Assistance as well as introducing our brand new Job Grant for young people moving back into employment.

Our mission is to bring a new culture of fairness, dignity, and respect to Scottish social security.