Devolved disability benefits evaluation: research

Executive summary

Introduction

In October 2023, the Scottish Government commissioned The Lines Between (TLB) to carry out research to inform an evaluation of transitions from Child Disability Payment (CDP) to Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in the context of the devolved disability benefits.

CDP helps cover the extra costs of caring for a disabled or terminally ill child or young person. Those who receive CDP may be entitled to ADP once they turn 16, but moving from CDP to ADP does not happen automatically; a new application for ADP must be made.

Since disability benefits were devolved to Social Security Scotland from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the Scottish Government has changed the process of transitioning from CDP to ADP^[1]. These policy changes intend to make the application process as straightforward as possible, by reducing barriers to applying, improving communications, and ensuring disabled people and their formal representatives understand their options and what is involved in the application process. This research aimed to identify experiences and outcomes stemming from the policy changes made to the transition from CDP to ADP.

Understanding when and how to apply for ADP

Mixed levels of understanding about the process of applying for ADP while receiving CDP were evident. Some clients understood when and how to apply, but others were unclear and some assumed they would receive ADP automatically.

Letters from Social Security Scotland are crucial in prompting clients and formal representatives to apply, enhancing their understanding of how and when to apply, and, in some cases, alerting them that an application is necessary.

There were mixed opinions about the letters that clients receive from Social Security Scotland about applying for ADP while receiving CDP. Many described them as helpful and praised their clarity. Others, however, called for clearer information to ensure that clients understand they have to apply and how and when to do so.

A few clients did not recall receiving any information from Social Security Scotland about applying for ADP. It is unclear why this was the case but these examples, alongside the finding that some clients and formal representatives did not know they had to apply for ADP before they received information from Social Security Scotland, emphasise the importance of ensuring clients receive the information.

Timing of the application

While some clients apply for ADP well before their CDP payments are due to stop, some others apply later for various reasons.

Most commonly, factors influencing the timing of an application included a desire to start receiving ADP as soon as possible. This was typically associated with a wish to avoid any gaps in payments. There were also examples of individuals who wanted to move to ADP quickly because they thought their payments would increase, or to help them renew their Motability lease.

Another common reason for applying early was to get the process over and done with. Interviewees wanted to complete the application so they could stop thinking about it.

Conversely, reasons for delaying the application included a desire to receive CDP for as long as possible due to clients' concerns that they may be ineligible for or receive lower payments with ADP. Difficulties in finding time to complete the application was another reason for delaying the application, with interviewees describing the time-consuming nature of the process and, in a few cases, having to contend with other responsibilities, including work and caring commitments, before they could focus on the ADP application.

Experiences of completing the application

Most clients and formal representatives who participated in the research completed the ADP application online. They valued the ease and convenience of this approach, although a small number reported some technical difficulties.

There was mixed feedback about the application process, but most held favourable views. Clients highlighted the importance of support from Social Security Scotland, local authorities, third sector organisations, and family members in helping them to complete the application.

However, many clients and formal representatives felt anxious and uncertain during the application process. The main causes of anxiety relate to processing times, a need for more practical support with the application, difficulties in providing supporting information, worries about having to repeat the application in a few years, uncertainty about the level of information to provide, and generic and repetitive questions.

Processing the application and moving on to ADP

Most felt their application was handled in a reasonable timeframe, but a few noted that long processing times added to their anxiety and uncertainty about the process.

A small number of clients who participated in the research were notified that their ADP application was unsuccessful. There were mixed views about the clarity of the explanations for the decision. Most clients and formal representatives were aware of their right to a redetermination and appeal, and all three unsuccessful applicants who took part in an interview have appealed.

In general, successful applicants were satisfied with the transition from CDP to ADP, with payments starting on time and as expected.

Conclusions and considerations

Overall, there was positive feedback from clients, formal representatives and support organisations about applying for ADP while receiving CDP. However, the research findings also suggest there is scope to improve the process further to make it clearer and reduce anxiety and uncertainty among clients and formal representatives. Areas for the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland to consider include:

• Enhancing understanding of the process among clients and formal representatives, including continued review of communication by Social Security Scotland to ensure information is as clear, accessible and understandable as possible.
• Continuing to inform clients and formal representatives timeously of their options for applying for ADP between the ages of 16 and 18.
• Raising awareness of the support available with the application from Social Security Scotland and other organisations.
• Addressing some aspects of the online application form, including difficulties with uploading attachments, the ability for clients to download a copy of their submitted application, and ensuring clients receive confirmation their online application has been received.
• Providing an estimated processing time when an application is submitted.
• Signposting clients and formal representatives to existing guidance about the type and level of information to include with their ADP application, and continuing to review the guidance.
• Continuing to review the ADP application form to ensure the questions are relevant for all clients and to minimise any repetition.
• Improving awareness that clients and formal representatives will not have to complete the full ADP application again when their ADP is due for review.
• Monitoring that CDP payments end, and ADP payments start on time and as expected to ensure a smooth transition.