60,000 Scots carers hit by delayed benefits payment as Social Security Scotland suffers system glitch

The SNP’s benefits agency upgraded its computer systems - but a glitch left thousands waiting days for their Carer Support Payment (CSP).

Social Security Scotland (SSS) downplayed the issue as a “one working day” delay.

However, as the problem hit at Bank Holiday weekend, recipients had as long as four days to wait for the crucial funds.

Scottish Conservative social justice spokesman, Alexander Stewart said carers do an “incredible job” and criticised SSS for the delay.

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"Carers do an incredible job supporting some of the most vulnerable individuals, so any delay to vital payments - even for a few days - will have caused real concern and hardship,” Mr Stewart said.

"This situation underlines wider pressures in a system already strained by poor SNP planning and funding decisions.

"Scottish Conservatives would simplify support by merging carer payments into one stronger benefit and ensure carers have access to dedicated employment advice".

Worried carers took to social media to ask for clarity on when the payments might come through, expressing concern that CSP may not be the only benefit affected.

However, a spokeswoman for SSS insisted the issue was restricted to the carers’ payment only.

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“We understand that a payment arriving even a day late can have a major impact on our clients,” she added.

“We apologise to the people who received their payment one working day late last week.

“This happened as a result of a deployment of system improvements that impacted some of our next payment dates around the bank holiday.

“Everyone affected has now been paid and all payments have returned to normal.”

Scottish Labour’s spokeswoman for Social Justice Claire Baker pointed to previous issues with the system, including “from poor communications and long processing times, to an £87.4 million overspend on IT systems”.

Ms Baker added: “The Carer Support Payment is a vital lifeline to many families and for any of them to be left without for four days is appalling, let alone 60,000.

“This is only the latest in a series of fiascos our devolved social security system has faced.

“The SNP has failed to deliver the support our most vulnerable people.

“A Scottish Labour government will prioritise the efficiency and effectiveness of Social Security Scotland, ensuring that it delivers for those who rely on payments and resources are reaching those most in need.”

Earlier this year, The Scotsman revealed a “staggering disparity” in staffing levels between Social Security Scotland and its UK Government counterpart.

In some cases, staff numbers in Scotland are 5200 per cent higher than equivalent offices at the Department for Work and Pensions, with claims the difference shows a “disregard” for taxpayers money at a time the Scottish Government has pledged to cut its civil service headcount.

Figures show an overall difference in staffing to administer three equivalent benefits as 200 per cent higher for Social Security Scotland.