Stigma around Social Security

Research conducted through the ScotPulse panel in February 2026 suggests that stigma around social security exists in Scotland.

Research commissioned by Social Security Scotland found that 4 in 10 people in Scotland said they would feel less positive about themselves if they needed to apply for financial support, despite 9 in 10 agreeing that anyone could require financial support if their circumstances changed.

The survey was conducted through the ScotPulse panel between 4 – 6 February 2026, receiving 1,172 responses.

Read more on the results published by Scottish Government.

Read the coverage of the findings in Social Care Today.