Our response to Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment in Scotland

The final report from the Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has now been published (31 July 2025).  

Adult Disability Payment (ADP) is a vital source of financial support for young people (16 and over) with cancer in Scotland, who alongside their families face unavoidable, additional cancer costs of around £700 every month – for things like travel to specialist treatment, increased energy bills, and food.  

For almost three-quarters of young people and families, these costs begin within a month of diagnosis. Yet, instead of receiving immediate support, they must navigate a complex application process and wait an average of six months after diagnosis for a decision on their ADP application.  

The Review’s final report sets out a series of recommendations to improve the social security system in Scotland, making applying for ADP fairer and more compassionate, reflecting many of the challenges young people with cancer face.  

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we were pleased to contribute research, evidence and lived experience insights to the review through the consultation, stakeholder events, and the Cost of Waiting report.  

In response to the report, Rachel Kirby-Rider, Chief Executive at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: 

“When a young person is diagnosed with cancer, their world, and their family’s, is turned upside down. When they should be focused on their health, they face the immediate, additional costs of cancer.  

“The last thing they and their family need is a support system that adds to the challenges. Yet, for too long, we’ve heard about the unnecessary and distressing burden that applying for disability benefits brings when at their most vulnerable, facing these spiralling costs.  

“That’s why we greatly welcome the findings of this review, that would deliver a fairer, more compassionate experience of applying for ADP. In particular, the recommendation to consider removing the qualifying period under certain conditions is a huge step in the right direction – no young person should have to go through the process of proving themselves when going through cancer treatment. 

“Streamlining the application process and removing unfair rules would make a real difference to young people with cancer across Scotland. We urge the Scottish Government to act on these recommendations without delay. We’re ready to work together to make sure the system provides support when it’s needed.” 

Overview of Key Recommendations 

The report’s recommendations reflect what young people with cancer and their families tell us, and the evidence we shared with the Review. They have the potential to make a real difference, and we’re particularly encouraged by the Review’s focus on building a system built on dignity and respect. 

The report sets out key recommendations to the Scottish Government, including:  

• Remove the qualifying period under certain conditions: The report highlights evidence that the 13-week qualifying period creates a barrier to support. We agree. This delay forces young cancer patients to wait up to three months after diagnosis before becoming eligible for ADP, which in turn delays access to other support like the Carer’s Support Payment and Blue Badges – all while the physical and financial impacts of cancer start immediately from diagnosis. 

• Create a simpler and faster application process: The review found that the application process can be “inaccessible, complex and burdensome, [causing] stress and anxiety“. We see this daily. Many need face-to-face support to complete it, so we echo the call for a streamlined system, which we believe should also use medical evidence wherever possible. 

• Ensure clear communication and consistent decisions: The review acknowledges concerns about “inconsistent outcomes” and unclear communication. We agree. Our social workers regularly see families face inconsistent decisions and confusing communications, even where circumstances are very similar. Social Security Scotland must ensure decisions are clear, consistent, and timely.  

• Reconsider the 28-day hospital rule: This rule stops a component of ADP if someone spends too much time in hospital. This creates a significant administrative burden for those who have frequent hospital stays, like young people with cancer. We support the review’s recommendation to reconsider this rule. 

• Improve awareness of and access to support: The review found a “notable lack of awareness” of the support available. This mirrors our experience – our social workers are often the first to tell young people with cancer about support they’re entitled to. More must be done to ensure people know what support they can access.  

Taken together, the Review’s urgent and necessary reforms would make a fairer system for young people with cancer. Now, the Scottish Government must act to deliver a system of support that works for them and respects their dignity at every stage.