Universal Credit is a UK-wide benefit reserved to the UK Government. It is delivered by The Department for Work and Pensions.

Robert Leslie was speaking after hearing about the case of a local resident who has had their Universal Credit re-assessed by the UK’s Department of Work and Pensions, and – despite significant care needs – has been told they should be looking for work for the first time ever.

Mr Leslie said:

“This person, in their fifties, does not have any obvious visible disabilities. They are always well presented, can use shops and travel on buses. However, they actually have a significant learning difficulties, a speech impediment that makes them hard for others to understand and limited comprehension.

“The reason they manage to function well is down to the protective environment and the constant care that their parents, who have their own health issues and needs, provide.”

Mr Leslie said that he was shocked to learn that this Orkney resident had had their Universal Credit ‘assessment’ and apparently, should enter employment, for the first time in their life.

He said:

“People I have spoken to that know the circumstances say it is very hard to know what employment this person could realistically undertake and sustain, certainly without extensive training and on-the-job support. As far as I have been told, this has always been extremely difficult to find in Orkney.

“People with disabilities, in particular, unseen disabilities and their – often elderly – carers need protected from this kind of crass treatment. They need to know how opposed the SNP Government is to the welfare cuts, and finally how such treatment of the disadvantaged in our society would have no place in an independent Scotland.”

This concerning case comes at a time when it has been revealed that Social Security Scotland has helped over 960,000 people receive the money they were entitled to in financial year 2024/25.

The organisation, which puts dignity, respect and fairness at the heart of everything it does, now delivers 17 benefit payments, including support for families on low incomes, disabled people, pensioners, young people looking for work and unpaid carers. There is also financial help for heating homes and contributing towards the cost of a funeral.

Amongst the payments is Scottish Child Payment, which is only available in Scotland. Families who receive Universal Credit, or other qualifying benefits, may be entitled to a weekly payment of £27.15 for every eligible child under 16 years of age. There is also no limit on the number of children who can benefit.

Financial support is also available for disabled people, those who have long-term health conditions or are terminally ill. 

Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment can help cover the extra costs disabled people face. Pension Age Disability Payment replaces Attendance Allowance in Scotland and can support disabled people aged 66 and over who need help looking after themselves or supervision to stay safe with a weekly payment of up to £110.40 a week.

Scotland’s unpaid carers receive more support than anywhere else in the UK. Carer Support Payment, a payment of £83.30 per week, has replaced Carer’s Allowance with more carers in full time education able to access it.

Mr Leslie said:

“The difference in ethos between the UK and Scottish systems could not be more stark.

“In Scotland, people are being urged right now to check if they can get social security support and can access an online benefit calculator to help them to do this. Many are available online, are free, and can provide more detail on the benefits available to an individual and how to apply.”

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, commented:

“We know that many people are feeling the strain right now and

“That’s why we are investing in the people of Scotland with social security when they need it most. These payments can make a real difference to everyday lives, whether it’s helping with heating costs, caring responsibilities, enabling someone to be more independent or with raising a family. 

“Many of our payments are available for people in and out of work, for example Adult Disability Payment is available no matter whether someone is in work or has savings. Social security is a public service that anyone may need at any point in their life. I urge people to check if they are eligible and get the help they are entitled to.”

For more details on all Social Security Scotland payments visit: Benefits – mygov.scot

To access benefit calculators to check eligibility visit: Benefit calculators – mygov.scot

The elections to the Scottish Parliament take place on Thursday 7 May 2026.