Disabled people and carers relocating to Scotland will now be required to submit new applications to continue receiving financial assistance, following changes introduced by the Scottish Government. The reforms replace existing UK-wide benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children and Carer’s Allowance with new Scottish equivalents.

Under the updated system, individuals must apply for Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment or Carer Support Payment shortly after moving north of the border to avoid interruptions in financial support. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland will maintain existing payments for up to 13 weeks after a move, giving applicants time to complete the transition. Attendance Allowance will also be replaced next year by the Pension Age Disability Payment.

Karyn Dunning, deputy director at Social Security Scotland, said the new framework aims to provide a more compassionate and accessible benefits system. She encouraged those affected to apply promptly, noting that the Scottish approach avoids private sector assessors and prioritises dignity, fairness and respect in decision-making.

Applicants who meet the required timescales may have their new payments backdated to cover the period immediately following the end of their DWP entitlement, ensuring no loss of income during the move.

A new parliamentary report has exposed what MPs describe as a growing crisis in the provision of community disability equipment, with more than half of users unable to access the medical aids they need for safe, independent living. The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Access to Disability Equipment’s report, Barriers to Accessing Lifesaving Disability Equipment, found that 55% of people lack suitable equipment and 63% of carers and parents believe the situation is deteriorating.

The inquiry, chaired by Daniel Francis MP, revealed that shortages and delays in essential aids—such as hoists, grab rails, and harnesses—are contributing to long hospital stays and putting extra strain on families and care services. Nearly three-quarters of equipment providers reported discharge delays due to shortages, while almost half said access to equipment varies widely and unfairly across the country.

Francis said the system is “failing disabled people at every level”, pointing to missed school days, lost employment, and injuries among carers. He called for a new National Strategy for Community Equipment, led by a dedicated minister to ensure accountability and equitable access.

The report highlights deep-rooted fragmentation, regional inequalities, and chronic underfunding as central causes of the crisis. MPs warn that without urgent national leadership, thousands will continue to be denied the basic equipment necessary for dignity and independence.