The Disability Assistance (Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance) Regulations 2025: equality impact assessment

Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA)

Title of Policy: Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance

Summary of aims and desired outcomes of policy:

Aim - The aim of the policy is to replace Disability Living Allowance, currently delivered in Scotland by the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of Scottish Ministers, with a form of assistance to be known as Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance to facilitate a safe and secure transfer of awards from the Department for Work and Pensions to Social Security Scotland.

The draft Disability Assistance (Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance) Regulations 2025 set out the eligibility criteria and how Social Security Scotland will deliver Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance on behalf of Scottish Ministers. The regulations also make provision for the case transfer process for people in Scotland who currently receive Disability Living Allowance.

Outcome - Like Disability Living Allowance, Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance is intended to help disabled people meet the additional costs of living with a disability or health condition. This will be a closed benefit only available to people transferring from the DWP to Social Security Scotland.

Disability Living Allowance will continue to be delivered during a transition period by the Department for Work and Pensions under the terms of an Agency Agreement to ensure the safe and secure transfer to Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance.

The Scottish Government recognises social security as a human right and has designed Social Security Scotland's services with the people who use them so that everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

This policy is closely aligned with the Healthier, Wealthier and Fairer Strategic Objectives, and contributes to the following National Outcomes:

• We respect, protect and fulfil human rights and live free from discrimination;
• We tackle poverty by sharing opportunities, wealth, and power more equally;
• We live in communities that are inclusive, empowered, resilient and safe.

Directorate: Social Security Directorate,

Division: Social Security Policy Division,

Team: Carer Benefits and Case Transfer Unit