A new pilot scheme has been launched today in Scotland that is designed to help the most vulnerable members of society receive benefit payments quicker.

The first of its kind in the UK, the pilot will see GPs forward Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance information electronically, making the payments process swifter and more efficient.

Nearly 100 practices in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Lothian and the Forth Valley will participate in the three-month test. If successful, the system will be adopted across the country.

“At present there are around 3,000 new claims for Disability Living Allowance made in Scotland every month, of which around 1,700 require further information which inevitably delays the time in which people can get their benefit,” said Anne McGuire, minister for disabled people at NHS Scotland.

“Strengthening the partnership between the Scottish NHS and the UK benefits system in this way should lead to a reduction in the length of time it takes to process applications and consequently disabled people getting their money quicker.”

Scottish Executive deputy health minister, Lewis Macdonald, welcomed the initiative.

“Not only will claimants get their claims processed faster, but Scottish GPs will benefit from a reduction of paperwork, which should free up more time to spend with the rest of their patients,” he said.

© Adfero Ltd