The way politicians and the media portray social security could mean people miss out on support to which they are entitled, according to new research
Independent research commissioned by Social Security Scotland has found a striking disparity between people’s attitudes to social security. While 91% of those surveyed agreed that anyone could need financial support when their circumstances change, as many as 39% said that applying for support would make them feel less positive about themselves.
That rose of almost half – 48% – of 16 to 34 year-olds.
Photo by tommao wang / Unsplash
What’s more, the survey suggests that negative portrayals in the media and/or by politicians could be fuelling this stigma.
Based on feedback from people with lived experience and from stakeholders, Social Security Scotland’s Tackling Stigma communications campaign is running this month and next across TV, social media, community posters, stakeholder engagement and media relations.
The new survey was conducted by ScotPulse between February 4 and 6 this year, with 1,172 responses received. Participants were asked to ‘Strongly agree’, ‘Agree, ‘Disagree’ of ‘Strongly Disagree’ with given statements; they could also answer ‘Don’t know.’
- 91% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, ‘Any one of us could need financial support when our circumstances change.’
- 75% agreed or strongly agreed that, ‘People who receive benefits are portrayed negatively by politicians and/or the media.’
- 39% agreed or strongly agreed that, ‘Applying for benefits would make me feel less positive about myself.’
- A further 39% agreed or strongly agreed that, ‘People who receive benefits are judged negatively by their family and friends.’
Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, says: ‘Everyone should be able to access support without fear or shame, and these findings reinforce why we are delivering social security differently in Scotland — through a system rooted in dignity, fairness and respect.
‘From the language we use to how we deliver our services – we designed our social security system based on feedback from people with lived experience. This has included using more compassionate language in letters, providing help in a format or language that best suits the individual and offering help with applications online, over the phone and in person. We all share responsibility for talking about social security with kindness – words matter.
‘We’ll continue to work with clients and stakeholders to make further improvements and help break down the barriers that stop too many people getting the help they are entitled to.’
David Reilly, Communities and Networks Manager at Poverty Alliance, adds: ‘Our social security is a public good like the NHS – it’s there for everybody, especially those who need it most. There are 1.1m people in Scotland who are struggling today on a low income – they have the same right to thrive as everybody else. But prejudice and negative stereotypes, often starting in our media and politics, then trickling down into our own communities and families – this unfair judgement can hold people back from reaching out and claiming what they’re entitled to – sometimes to the point of starvation and destitution. That’s simply wrong.
‘Together, we can stand up for each other and reclaim the idea of social security as a basic human right, and a foundation that allows people to build better futures for themselves and their households.’
Karen Wylie, Policy and Participation Manager at Glasgow Disability Alliance (GDA), says: ‘GDA hears from our members that disability benefits are a lifeline not a luxury for disabled people. In our survey conducted in October 2025, we heard that stigma played a significant, prohibitive role in how and when people apply for benefits. Our members call for a change in narrative around social security so that it’s seen as a human right that not only covers the basics but also covers the additional costs of being disabled and enables people to live full and participative lives with choice and control.’
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