Citizens Advice say pick up the phone

Keith Dryburgh, policy manager at Citizens Advice Scotland, answers some key questions.

Where should people go for advice on benefits and to find out what they might be entitled to? For the next two weeks you can call our special benefits uptake helpline. It’s Freephone 0800 085 7145. Or you can also get free advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

How much do you see people missing out on benefits because they don’t realise what they are entitled to?

CAB advisers help people every day who have money problems. Part of what they do is an Income Maximisation check, where we go over all your details and tell you what benefits you are entitled to claim.

It’s surprising how often this identifies an unclaimed benefit. Last year, Citizens Advice staff supported clients to claim £60million in benefit payments that they were entitled to.

What are the reasons people might need to claim benefits? What changes in life circumstances can result in people needing to apply for benefits?

Pretty much everybody in society will claim benefits at some point in their lives, whether it is because they have a child, they lose their job, they have a low income, they are unwell, or they retire.

Social security is important to everybody.

All of us are only an illness or redundancy away from needing to apply for benefits, and it is really important that you claim these benefits if you need them. They are there to support you.

What are the barriers to people taking up benefits?

Many people simply don’t know what they are entitled to. Others feel embarrassed about asking for help.

In recent years the benefit claimant system has moved to online applications which puts some people off.

But there is no need for anyone to miss out on what they are entitled to. We are here to help you claim. Make sure you’re getting the help you’re entitled to.

Social security is an investment in everyone and is there to help people when they need it

Changes in life circumstances and life events mean anybody could need support at some point in their lives (it could apply to any of us one day)

Citizens Advice Scotland can provide further information.

Visit https://www.citizensadvice. org.uk/scotland/benefits/ or call the Citizens Advice.

Call the Free Benefits Helpline on 0800 085 7145.