Young Lives vs Cancer responds to Social Security Scotland’s report on Child Disability Payment

Social Security Scotland have today (Wednesday 20 May) released statistics on applications and payments for Child Disability Payment (CDP). Here Young Lives vs Cancer’s Head of Policy and Influencing, Lauren Marks, shares the charity’s response to the report, and the impact of CDP on children and young people with cancer in Scotland and their families. 

Lauren Marks, Head of Policy and Influencing at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: “Today’s report from Social Security Scotland shows real promise and progress in the financial support available through Child Disability Payment (CDP) for families facing cancer. We welcome that this latest data shows that 97% of applications made for cancers* are awarded, showing a clear recognition that children and young people with cancer have a vital need for CDP – and the system recognises this with almost all claims from this group awarded.  

“While this is a positive step, it also demonstrates there is no need for the continued delay in accessing CDP if you have a cancer diagnosis. Social Security Scotland’s findings today demonstrate processing times for applications once “part two” of the application is submitted stand at around two and a half months, time no one can afford to wait. But this only tells part of the story, as young cancer patients’ needs for support start as soon as they hear the words “you have cancer”.  

“Our research found children, young people and families face an average six-month wait from diagnosis to a decision on their benefits in Scotland, leaving them struggling with the costs of cancer in the meantime. The financial impact of cancer, alongside the physical and emotional toll, starts immediately, and in that time, families face extra costs of £700 a month on average, forcing many to borrow or cut back at a time when many parents have had to stop working. 

“With virtually all claims for those with cancer being awarded successfully, Young Lives vs Cancer continue to call on the Scottish Government to allow children and young people with cancer to access CDP (and ADP for over 16s) immediately following diagnosis, rather than waiting any longer to qualify or navigate a complex system of support. 

“We welcome the positive actions set out in today’s report, but more must be done to reduce delays and make access to benefits timelier. The high claim rate shows there is very little risk in allowing children and young people with cancer to claim immediately, and that, with better use of medical evidence, a qualifying period and lengthy processing times should not be needed. 

“As the Scottish Government embarks on the new term in Holyrood this week, we’re ready to work together to make sure children, young people and their families facing cancer get the financial support they need, as soon as they need it.” 

*Cancers are referred to as “Neoplasms” in the data publication.