Families in Orkney have received £3,146,050 in vital financial support to help with the extra costs of caring for a disabled child or young person.
The most recently published statistics from Social Security Scotland show that at the end of June 2025, the families of 250 children and young people in Orkney were receiving Child Disability Payment.
The benefit helps with the extra costs experienced by families with children or young people who are disabled, terminally ill or who have a long-term health condition.
It is available to parents and carers, even if they are working or have savings.
It is available to parents and carers, even if they are working or have savings.
Financial Support for Autistic Adults in Orkney
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Emma Roddick has welcomed the announcement of funding for autistic adults in Orkney. Home Start Orkney has received £72,342.05 from the Autistic Adult Support Fund.
The fund, which was launched by the Scottish Government in 2023, provides multi-year support to third sector organisations working with autistic adults, their families, and carers. The purpose of the fund is to help autistic adults to reach their full potential and improve their wellbeing.
Emma Roddick said:
“I am delighted that this funding has been awarded to Home Start in Orkney. “
“This is a fantastic example of the Scottish Government recognising the invaluable work being done by third sector organisations across the Highlands and Islands.
“The importance of this kind of support cannot be overstated, especially in rural and island communities. This funding will help to ensure that autistic adults in Orkney, and their families, have access to the support they need to feel part of their community and lead happy, healthy lives.
“Autistic people, like many disabled folks, are too often locked out of employment and other opportunities solely due to stigma and lack of support, which leads to financial issues. With the right help, many can live more fulfilling lives, supporting their children and partners and contributing to the local economy.
“Home Start does an incredible job of supporting families, and this funding will allow them to continue their work with autistic people, building on their skills and lived experience to provide truly meaningful support. This will be a huge comfort to many people in the islands.”
Scotland’s Child Disability Payment
Figures show that since Child Disability Payment launched in 2021, over £1.2 billion has been paid to the families of almost 105,000 disabled children and young people across Scotland.
Social Security Scotland can help people apply over the phone and through webchat. People can also call Social Security Scotland to request an in-person appointment with one of our local advisers who are based in communities across Scotland.
Social Security Scotland can help parents or guardians gather information to support their application from professionals such as teachers and nurses, though people can also provide this information themselves if they have it.
Maggie, whose 9-year-old son gets Child Disability Payment says the money has made a big difference in their lives:
“My son has autism and he finds buses and trains overwhelming. He’d get so stressed out and try to run away.
“I have a vivid memory of him sitting in the bus stop with me and his younger sister and then out of the blue, shooting away towards the busy road.
“Child Disability Payment has made a difference to us in a lot of ways, but being able to pay for taxis and keep him safe has given me so much peace of mind.
“The application process was much more straightforward than I’d expected. I phoned Social Security Scotland and they set up an appointment with a lovely woman in my local library and she helped me with everything.”
For more information on Child Disability Payment and to apply, visit mygov.scot/child-disability-payment.
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