Draft Disability Assistance for Older People (Scotland) Regulations 2024: Draft Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment

Digital Impact Test

Scottish Ministers do not foresee that there will be any adverse impacts now, or in the future, of Pension Age Disability Payment in relation to its delivery in the current and future digital context.

Pension Age Disability Payment will be delivered alongside the Scottish Government’s other disability benefits, Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment, which already utilise digital processes for individuals where convenient, but does not exclude those that are unable to access these channels.

Those seeking to apply for Pension Age Disability Payment will be able to apply online, over the phone, in person or through a paper application form. Individuals will also be able to seek support through online webchat and digital guidance resources.

However, whilst it is recognised that technological advances do mean that social security provision across the United Kingdom has already largely moved to a digital offering, it is important that the Scottish Government continues to support those who do not have access to, or knowledge of, the necessary digital channels to apply for and manage their payments.

Therefore, individuals will be able to seek support over the phone through Social Security Scotland’s freephone number, in-person through the Local Delivery team and through paper guidance resources. Social Security Scotland will continue to support individuals in an online and offline environment, ensuring that any future changes to Pension Age Disability Payment are mindful of the needs of the individual first and foremost.