Journalists have been given access to several clients who told us of sudden, unplanned reviews to their PIP benefits claims including threats to cut off benefits payments to victims of long term disability - and lengthy, confusing telephone consultations in which searching questions were asked of claimants lifestyles and their politics.
In cases now being assisted by legal advice, claimants alleged they were made to fear information on their politics and voting intentions may end up being used as a condition to maintain their current benefits payments.
Material ingathered by claimants - which journalists have now had sight of within their legal representative’s office - does appear to support accusations the new devolved benefits powers - passed to the SNP Government by the Conservative Government at Westminster – are subject to a litany of delays, withholding of, or cancellation of payments and potentially motivated consideration of benefits payments to persons across Scotland in areas where some may consider a ‘target voter pool’ could make a difference in what may become a bitterly contested Scottish General Election in 2026.
Noting the material provided by claimants in just two of Scotland’s local government areas – none of the allegations raised with journalists by solicitors and their clients appear to have been explained by Social Security Scotland in any reasonable way to claimants – who include terminal cancer victims, very seriously disabled persons unable to walk, victims of serious sexual abuse and several long term Covid victims – all of whom claim they are being treated worse than under the DWP system when Personal Independence Payments and related benefits were reserved to Westminster.
And in several cases, journalists have been able to speak with Local Authority staff who backed up issues relating to lengthy delays in payments and unreasonable withholding of benefits.
One Local Authority source said “claimants are being unfairly targeted because of who they are because they are too weak to fight back and we don’t have the staff to help all cases”.
A solicitor representing a PIP claimant said: “People are being seriously let down by Social Security Scotland.”
Information on cases where compensation cash for victims of abuse has been raided by politicians to fund pay rises to stave off strike headlines, and political ventures and other PR related issues which have already been aired in the media.
Several abuse victims who have spoken to journalists now fear their PIP payments may also end up going the same way and “into the hands of desperate politicians trying to cling to power” as one victim told us.
Journalists understand the law firm’s clients are being assisted by an MSP on cases of irregular reviews and unwarranted withdrawal of PIP benefits claims and payments under the SNP Government’s Social Security Scotland.
Solicitors representing the claimants requested journalists not publish material currently in their hands, as they feel clients – particularly those in receipt of Legal Aid - could be maligned in their access to legal advice – until such time more fuller scrutiny and assistance can be provided.
However Justice Diaries has been asked to publish a short list of recommendations to any benefits claimants who feel they may (and should) require to keep careful notes on any interaction or contact whatsoever with Social Security Scotland.
1. Maintain “careful notes” of any contact via phone or personal visits, interviews or consultations regarding your benefits claims.
2. Ask for and note down the names and role of anyone from Social Security Scotland whom you are speaking with and ensure you have an accurate record of what was said.
3. If you are in need of assistance or any form of help for any benefits issues relating to Social Security Scotland – seek out help from your Local Authority benefits team immediately and do not delay.
4. If you feel your benefits claim or PIP payments under the SNP Scottish Government rules are being subject to unwarranted interference or intimidation, you may require to contact a solicitor and seek legal advice without delay.
5. If you are required by Social Security Scotland to attend interviews or consultations, take a witness or someone to assist you.
In the case of “Careful Notes” readers may interpret that recommendation as to how you record information via any means.
It may also be helpful for you to ensure a witness is present to ingather a verbatim, word-for-word account of any telephone interview or consultation you are required to attend.
Social Security Scotland and the Scottish Government were not contacted for comment on this report, as Scottish Government agencies now often ignore or issue delays to media enquiries then ultimately refuse to respond.
However, material scrutinised by journalists – does appear to corroborate claimants experiences now being dealt with by legal representatives, Local Authorities and Disability support groups.
If readers have any similar experiences with Social Security Scotland or concerns about how they are being treated and wish to find help, the advice is to contact your Local Authority Benefits Team and any Disability support groups and your area MSP immediately – and if you feel the need – contact a reputable qualified solicitor who may be able to provide legal advice and representation.
Additionally, it’s always good to contact any Scottish newspaper journalists via their respective news desk or contact details with your story as these are national issues affecting all Scots.
And of course keep journalists informed of related issues you experience in matters addressed in this article at Justice Diaries via our email: scottishlawreporters@gmail.com
Be informed everyone - and inform others to help others, and get the help you need.
