The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has successfully completed the transfer of more than 700,000 benefit awards to Social Security Scotland, marking a major milestone in the devolution of welfare powers. The multi-year project ensures that disabled people and carers across Scotland will now receive their vital financial support from the Scottish system.
A Seamless Transition for Claimants
The complex case transfer process was specifically designed to prevent any disruption for individuals. Crucially, people did not need to reapply for their benefits and there has been no break in the payments they depend on. This approach was taken to avoid the stress and anxiety associated with previous DWP reassessments, where eligibility was never guaranteed.
The transferred benefits include Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, and Carer's Allowance. The Scottish Government has emphasised that the move was completed on time and on budget by the end of 2025, as promised.
"A Position of Trust and Kindness"
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, stated that the huge undertaking was essential to ensure people are treated with "dignity, fairness and respect". She highlighted the contrasting philosophy behind the transfer.
"When developing our case transfer process, people told us about the stress and anxiety caused by DWP transitions where they had to apply for benefits again with no guarantee they would continue to be eligible," Somerville said. "We've taken a different approach... ensuring no break in entitlement to protect people's critical payments."
She added that the majority of clients reported being treated with kindness by staff during the process, reflecting the system's foundation of trust.
Final Cases to Be Concluded
The vast majority of the transfer is now complete. By the end of December 2025, over 99% of pensioners receiving Attendance Allowance had been moved over to Social Security Scotland.
A small number of complex cases remain. 28 outstanding Attendance Allowance cases are scheduled to be moved to the new Pension Age Disability Payment within the coming weeks, finalising the historic transition.
This transfer represents one of the most significant administrative changes to Scotland's social security landscape since devolution, shifting responsibility for key disability and carer benefits from Westminster to Holyrood.
