THE Scottish Greens have raised the alarm after approved applications for the developed Adult Disability Payment (ADP) fell by over 20 percentage points.

According to Social Security Scotland figures, the authorisation rate has fallen from 57 per cent when it was introduced in 2022 to 34 per cent in 2025-26.

Green health spokeswoman Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill said: “The huge reported fall in approval rates is deeply worrying and needs urgent attention. 

“Behind every statistic, there’s an applicant who may be struggling with their health, their mobility, their independence or the cost of daily life. 

“Adult Disability Payment must be accessible in practice, not just in principle.”

Responding to the parliamentary question, Social Justice Secretary Shirly-Anne Somerville said 45 per cent of applications had been awarded since ADP’s introduction, adding: “That’s a testament to a Scottish social security system that is compassionate and person-centred and enables disabled people to access support that they are entitled to. 

“I hope I can reassure the member that the agency is looking at the reasons why the approval rate has changed over time.”