Social Security and Financial Support

We know that financial insecurity and poverty are significant drivers of poor mental health and higher rates of suicide.

Our policy work in this area focuses on ensuring that people with mental health problems are able to access employability services that help them find, keep or progress in a job, as well as advocating for  Scottish and UK social security systems that provide adequate support and treats people living with mental health problems in a dignified way. 

To read more about our work in this area, please see the links below. 

SAMH’s Response: Future social security spending in Scotland

SAMH Response - Pathways to Work Consultation

Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill: Second Reading – 1 July 2025 SAMH briefing

Scottish Government Debate: UK Government Welfare Reforms – April (2025 SAMH briefing)

SAMH and See Me response to the Debt Recovery (Mental Health Moratorium) (Scotland) Regulations (December 2024) Consultation

Social Security Amendment Scotland Bill - SAMH response

Work Capability Assessment: activities and descriptors consultation – SAMH & See Me Response

Adult Disability Payment - Consultation Response

Scottish Government Debate Disability Assistance SAMH Briefing

Scottish Affairs Select Committee Welfare Policy in Scotland -  SAMH submission