Celebrating Scottish Disability Sport Week

During Scottish Disability Sport Week, disabled people are encouraged to improve their wellbeing by being more physically active, in a way that suits them.
Scottish Disability Sport can connect people to sport and physical activity opportunities within their region that suit their needs. Sports opportunities include athletics, badminton, boccia, wheelchair basketball, powerlifting and tennis.
We know some people who receive our disability benefits worry that by taking part in sport or being active, they will no longer be eligible for the financial support. This is not how edibility works for Scottish disability benefits. We make decisions about someone’s eligibility for Child Disability Payment, Adult Disability Payment and Pension Age Disability Payment based on our understanding of their conditions and needs, regardless of whether they do sport or physical activity.
Amanda, one of our Health and Social Care Practitioners, said:
“As a physiotherapist and Adult Disability Payment practitioner, I am always happy to see people being as active as possible – whether it’s a team sport, going to the gym, or even going for a walk.
“Maintaining activity levels is incredibly important for people with a disability, and it should not be looked at as something that might impact on a benefit application, as everyone’s exercise will look different.
“This is recognised by the health professionals working at Social Security Scotland when we provide advice regarding applications.”
Chris, who gets Adult Disability Payment for mobility issues and chronic pain, told us about the benefits of exercise for him:
“In March 2022, I took a bad turn out of the blue and lost all sensation, power, strength and dexterity in my right foot and leg as well as in my left hand and arm. I was rushed into hospital for emergency surgery to address this, and it did, to an extent, but I was left permanently disabled. I have chronic pain and limited use of my right leg and left arm, drastically impacting my level of mobility.
“I applied for Adult Disability Payment, as this new way of coping with life came with a financial cost attached. What previously had been a quick walk to the shops for a few messages was now a taxi trip or fuel in the car. The pain I live with is exacerbated by low temperatures and this means having to keep the heating on for far longer than I would before.
“As part of my recovery and to rebuild strength, my physiotherapist recommended some low-impact, low-resistance activities such as swimming or using certain machines in the gym a few times a week. My Adult Disability Payment is used to cover my membership to a local leisure club.
“While there are primary physical benefits from following the programmes set by my physiotherapist that support my recovery and allow me to sustain a slightly more acceptable quality of living, I also benefit massively from the social aspects of having a routine and being around people, some on similar journeys.”
To find out more about our disability benefits visit mygov.scot
We actively encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible for disability benefits to apply.
If you work with people who might be eligible for our benefits, stakeholder resources are available on our website.