More than a third of Adult Disability Payment claimants who report a change in their circumstances are seeing their payments increase, according to new figures from Social Security Scotland.
The latest statistics show that 36 per cent of change of circumstances reviews completed since the benefit launched resulted in a higher award, compared to just 5 per cent that led to a reduction in payments.
A total of 69,695 change of circumstances reviews had been completed by April 30 this year. Of those, 25,375 resulted in an increase in support, while 3,235 led to a decrease and 41,085 resulted in no change to the claimant's award.
The figures suggest people who tell Social Security Scotland that their condition has changed are significantly more likely to see their financial support increase than decrease.
What is Adult Disability Payment?
Adult Disability Payment is the Scottish replacement for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and helps people with the extra costs associated with a disability, long-term illness or health condition.
A change of circumstances review can happen when a claimant reports that their condition has worsened or improved, or where another change could affect their entitlement to support.
Key Statistics at a Glance
- 36% of reviews led to a higher award
- 5% resulted in a decrease
- 59% saw no change
- 69,695 reviews completed by April 30
Higher Awards for Transferred Claimants
The statistics show former PIP claimants who transferred to Adult Disability Payment were particularly likely to see their award increase following a change of circumstances review. Among transferred claimants, 43 per cent of reviews resulted in a higher award, while only 3 per cent led to a reduction in payments.
For people who applied directly for Adult Disability Payment, 25 per cent of change of circumstances reviews resulted in an increase, while 8 per cent led to a decrease.
Overall Benefit Uptake and Payments
The new figures were published as part of Social Security Scotland's latest Adult Disability Payment statistical release covering the period to April 30, 2026. The report also revealed that more than half a million people across Scotland are now receiving Adult Disability Payment.
As of April 30, a total of 504,710 people were in receipt of the benefit, including 194,245 new applicants and 310,465 people whose awards had been transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Since the benefit launched in March 2022, Social Security Scotland has paid out £7 billion.
Review Outcomes and Appeals
The statistics show 289,745 reviews had been completed overall by the end of April. Of those, 80 per cent resulted in no change to the award, 16 per cent led to an increase and 4 per cent resulted in a decrease.
The latest figures also show that 82,580 re-determinations had been requested by claimants unhappy with a decision on their award. Of the 78,115 re-determinations completed, 46 per cent were successful and resulted in a changed outcome.
There were also 16,150 appeals lodged by claimants, with 53 per cent of completed appeals being upheld.
