Worth making a check

The Scottish Citizens Advice service say many Scots are losing out financially by not claiming benefits that they are entitled to.

The CAB service are offering a free phone number (0800 085 7145) which is running for a two-week period to help citizens understand what they are entitled to and how to claim it. The help-line is free and will be available from March 6 to March 17.

People can also check their entitlements at their local CAB by asking for a benefits check, or find out more information at https://www. citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/benefits/

Citizens Advice Scotland spokesperson Keith Dryburgh said: “Many of the cases dealt with by the CAB service are people who are not claiming benefits which they are entitled to, and which could help them financially.

“Changes in circumstances, such as the birth of a child or an illness, can often change people’s entitlements, so it’s important that people know this and access the support that they are entitled to.

“The benefits system is complex and people don’t always know what they can apply for or how to go about doing it.

“The CAB service can do a benefits check for you to see that you are getting all the help they are entitled to.

“It’s amazing how many times we find that people are in fact missing out on some money because they didn’t know about it.

“So our message this fortnight to all Scots is that there may be money out there that you are entitled to but not getting.

“Why not check and see? It’s free to phone this number, and the advisers there are CAB staff who are experts in this.

“Like all CAB staff, they are also impartial and will treat your case in total confidence.”

The benefits system is complex and people don’t always know what they can apply for