Assessments for disability benefits in Scotland: FOI release

FOI reference: FOI/17/01918
Date received: 21 August 2017
Date responded: 29 August 2017

Information requested

The medical qualifications of people making decisions on whether people should not receive disability payments in Scotland when they are sent for review of their benefits.

Response

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested because assessments for disability benefits are currently undertaken by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You may therefore wish to contact DWP who may be able to help you. Their email address is health.servicescorrespondence@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

As you may already know, as a result of the Smith Commission process, disability benefits will become the responsibility of Scottish Ministers before the end of this Parliamentary term.

On the 28 April this year, the Minister for Social Security, Ms Jeane Freeman, made a statement to the Scottish Parliament, to which I attach a link here. In her statement, Ms Freeman explained that, for those disability benefits that will be devolved, like PIP, the current assessment processes will be reformed. Based on dignity and respect, the new assessment process will be designed in a way which prioritises the needs of the disabled person – not the needs of those delivering the assessment.

The Scottish Government has also given an assurance that assessments should not be carried out by the private sector.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses