#MEAction Scotland welcomes the findings of the recently published review of the Adult Disability Payment benefit and looks forward to seeing the recommendations implemented by the Scottish Government

Adult Disability Payment (ADP) is one of 15 benefits delivered by Social Security Scotland. It was launched nationally for new applicants on 29 August 2022. It replaced Personal Independence Payment (PIP)—which is managed by the UK Government's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)—for disabled people of working age in Scotland. Like PIP, ADP is designed to help cover the extra costs disabled people may face because of their condition.

In January 2024, the Scottish Government commissioned an Independent Review of ADP, with the final report published in July 2025. #MEAction Scotland contributed extensively to this report, along with other organisations under the Inclusive New Normal umbrella—a social enterprise led by Dr Sally Witcher. #MEAction Scotland also held discussions with Edel Harris, who chaired the review. A summary of the report is available to read here and the full report is available here

Encouragingly, the report frequently highlights the additional challenges faced by people with fluctuating conditions, such as ME. For instance, it recommends scrapping the so-called ‘50% rule’ under which an activity descriptor is only deemed to apply to a person if it reflects how their condition affects them more than 50% of the time. Instead, it calls for better use of the reliability criteria and a more person-centred approach that takes into account how individuals manage on their worst days, and how this impacts their overall health. Another recommendation is to provide clearer guidance and training for assessors on how to apply reliability criteria to the impact that completing one activity has on completing another.

It also proposes changes to the mobility component of the benefit, suggesting that fixed distance rules be removed. Instead, assessments should consider, amongst other things, the effects of moving around and exertion, including symptoms like fatigue, post-exertional malaise, breathlessness, and pain.

The report also includes a number of observations—points that fell outside the formal scope of the review. One such observation is that Social Security Scotland could explore more flexible options for how and when applicants with fluctuating conditions provide supporting information about the impact of their disability.

Overall, #MEAction Scotland welcomed the findings. While the ADP system is intended to be more compassionate than PIP, the report recognises that it is still too complex and stressful for many. The review makes over 50 recommendations aimed at making the system more accessible, fair, and dignity-driven. Key improvements include better communication, simpler processes, more training, and decision-making that genuinely reflects lived experiences.

#MEAction Scotland will continue to monitor the Scottish Government’s response to the report’s recommendations