You’re entitled to feel the benefits
Campaign launched to inform 500,000 Scots of help they can get
A CAMPAIGN is being launched today to find the half-million Scots who don’t claim benefits they are entitled to.
The week-long Scottish Government drive aims to highlight the help available to struggling families, including Sure Start Maternity Grant, Carers Allowance and the Funeral Expenses Payment.
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman said the benefits system exists to help those in need and on low incomes. She added people should not be worried about claiming.
Jeane said: “Claiming the benefits that people are entitled to will help maximise family incomes and can reduce poverty levels.
“About a third of pensioners are entitled to Pension Credit but do not claim it.
“We want to help people know what financial support is available that could make a difference to their lives.
“Evidence tells us that often many of us don’t realise changes in our lives can mean we are entitled to additional support and there is a range of benefits all of us are entitled to know about. Making sure everyone receives the financial help they are entitled to is one of the first steps towards putting dignity and respect at the heart of social security policy in Scotland.”
The Scottish Government are working with Citizens Advice Scotland, who are providing a web page with all available information on benefits and tax credits, eligibility and how to access them.
The new campaign features Dawn, a mum of two who found out she could get extra help to look after her son with suspected epilepsy and autism. One Parent Families Scotland director Satwat Rehman said: “Social security is an investment in everybody and there to help when you need it. Lack of knowledge and stigma all impede families taking up their full benefit entitlement.
Age Scotland chief executive Keith Robson said: “It is vital people recognise the system is there for anybody who needs it and that this is support to which they are entitled.”
We want to help people know what support is available JEANE FREEMAN