MORE Scots are to receive vital payments as Scotland’s social security expenditure is set to total £5.2 billion in 2026-27, according to the Scottish Fiscal Commission’s latest forecast report published today.
The budget is set to increase by £1.5 billion over the next five years due to a variety of factors, including an increase in benefits provided and inflationary rises to payments.
Further financial support includes Adult Disability Payment will replace Personal Independence Payment for disabled people of working age in Scotland in 2022.
Moreover, the Scottish Child Payment is to be extended to children up to the age of 16 from the end of the same year if data relating to this benefit is received from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Social Security Minister Ben Macpherson said:“Social security is an investment in the people of Scotland and is a fundamental human right.
“With the devolved social security powers and limited resources that we have, we are committed to making sure everyone can access the financial support they are entitled to.
“By understanding people’s experiences of accessing UK Government social security support, we have sought to ensure that our new Scottish Government service is easily accessible and that people have a good experience when interacting with the Scottish social security system.
“If someone is eligible for support then it is our responsibility to make sure that they know about available payments, and help them get the money they need and that they are due.”
Once fully operational, Social Security Scotland will deliver 17 benefits in total and make payments to 1.8 million children and adults, which is around 1 in 3 people in Scotland.
