CAS response to Consultation on Disability Assistance in Scotland

These include: 

• substantial reductions in the number of face-to-face assessments in practice, as well as in commitments
• improvements to the descriptors and points system – in particular increasing the distance for the mobility component from 20 to 50 metres
• a shorter statutory timescale for making decisions on redetermination requests – 28 days, rather than the proposal of 40 – 60 working days
• design of forms, letters and other communication that ensures redeterminations and appeals are one seamless process from the applicant’s perspective
• keeping the criteria and assessment process under close review, with a view to improving the accuracy of decision-making where possible
• setting out considerations for longer-term changes to Disability Assistance alongside proposals for initial transition, including:
  • moving from a needs-based system that asks what people are unable to do, to a more rights-based model focused on what a person is entitled to, able to do and the support that enables them
  • the creation of a ‘whole-of-life’ benefit, to replace the three current and proposed age-based benefits
  • providing mobility support to people over the state pension age, which is not available to people receiving Attendance Allowance or the proposed Disability Assistance for Older People