Publisher:
Scottish Fiscal Commission
Alternative Published Date
2026
Category:
Type of Resource:
Report
Fast Facts
Increasing numbers of people have received disability support payments in the last 5 years in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
More details
The exact reasons for the rise in the disability prevalence rate are not yet fully understood. It is generally believed to reflect a decline in the overall health of the population which began even before the pandemic, along with increased awareness of disabilities. A further factor could be the on-going health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the cost-of-living crisis. As a result, more people may now be eligible for, and apply for, disability support payments.
Full Document (link)