Over 1,000 people tell Scottish Government: ADP must change
This week, we submitted our open letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP. It was signed by 1,092 people from across our MS community, and 16 health and social care charities and organisations.
Together, we’re calling for a fairer Adult Disability Payment (ADP) system that truly reflects Scotland’s values of dignity, fairness and respect.
What we’re asking from the Scottish Government
Around 17,400 people in Scotland live with MS. Many face rising costs, fluctuating symptoms and barriers to independence. ADP should provide the support people need to live well. But right now, too many people are being failed by a system built on criteria designed for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
In our letter, we urge the Scottish Government to:
- remove the 20 metre rule
- improve the ADP assessment process
- embed dignity, fairness, and respect in practice
I believe there must be a way to assess and deliver disability benefits that honours the struggles of MS and other disabilities while maintaining our dignity. So many things about being disabled are humiliating - benefits applications shouldn't be one of them.
How this links to our 2026 election manifesto
This open letter is part of our wider work to secure financial independence for people with MS ahead of the next Scottish Parliament election.
Last month, we launched our 2026 manifesto A Fairer Future, Speak Up for People with MS, setting out the action we want the next Scottish Government to take across three key areas:
- Improving neurological services
- Securing financial independence
- Improving mental health support
Fixing ADP is a crucial part of that second theme. A fair, person-centred disability benefits system is essential to helping people with MS manage the extra costs of their condition and live independently for longer.
What happens next?
Submitting this open letter is an important step. But it’s not the end. We’ll continue to work with MSPs, ministers and political parties to push for the meaningful change our community needs.
As this work progresses, we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
Join our campaigns community to be the first to hear how you can get involved and help shape a fairer future for people with MS.
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