Social Security Experience Panels: disability benefit names - visual summary

Disability Assistance for Children and Young People

We then asked respondents what they liked and disliked about the proposed new Social Security Scotland disability benefit names.

The most common thing respondents said they liked about the name Disability Assistance for Children and Young People was the word ‘assistance’.

Some respondents used the following words to describe the proposed name: ‘kinder’, ‘supportive’, ‘softer’, ‘more inclusive’.

Some respondents liked that it encompasses all ‘young people’.

Other respondents said that they liked that the name is clear and self-explanatory.

Some respondents simply noted that it is ‘better’ and ‘much more suitable’ than Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children, but did not provide a reason why they thought this.

• “Much better as it is assisting someone to live rather than allowing them to.”
• “It is more inclusive and doesn’t leave teenagers being referred to as children.”
• “This title is quite positive. It implies that the claimant will be helped, rather than hindered, to apply for the benefit.”
• “It is simple and straightforward.”
• “It sounds more welcoming and friendly.”

Similar to DLA for Children, most respondents disliked the word ‘disability’ in the name Disability Assistance for Children and Young People.

Some respondents felt that the word does not do a good job of covering all disabilities and health conditions. These respondents thought the word could act as a barrier to claiming.

Many respondents thought that the name is too long and does not allow for a short, easy to use acronym.

• “It is an improvement on DLA for Children, however, the stigma of the word disability still exists.”
• “It suggests practical assistance rather than financial support.”
• “The use of the label “Disability” can leave people thinking this form of welfare payment does not apply to their child or young person if they have a mental health disorder.”
• “It’s way too long for a benefit name.”
• “It’s too long and it’s not worded well enough to be able to give it a shorter nickname.”

Whilst most respondents liked the word ‘assistance’, a few disliked it. These respondents felt that it may suggest practical help rather than a financial payment, which could be misleading for people.