Helping hand for benefits meetings

Buddies applying for social security under Scotland’s new system will have the right to have someone with them during assessments or meetings, under new plans.

In a change from the c u r rent system, the amendment would ensure any applicant has the right to be accompanied if they need or want it.

Welfare bosses hailed changes to the Social Security (Scotland) Bill as a step in the right direction for those who may be unsure about seeking help.

Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman said: “We know the current Department of Work and Pensions system can make people nervous about health assessments when accessing benefits.

“People can feel that, instead of it being about assessing needs and what support is necessary, assessments can feel like a barrier to accessing benefits and help.

“We don’t want people’s experience to be like that, so we will not replicate the current system when disability benefits are devolved.

“Under the current system, people who attend assessments aren’t able to have someone with them during the assessment.

“I think this runs contrary to our rights-based approach and, if we truly want our system to have fairness, dignity and respect at heart then we should give people the right to have a friend or family member with them when they need it.”

She added: “We have all been in situations where we could do with a helping hand from someone who knows us, or just a bit of moral support.

“This is proof that Scotland will do things differently and one of the first ways we can show people we mean exactly what we say.”