Scottish families urged to talk about benefits

Scottish social security minister, Ben Macpherson has urged families to talk about benefits, in a bid to drive take-up and reduce stigma.

People are being urged to make sure they get the benefits they are entitled to.

Macpherson visited the Citizens Advice Bureau in Muirhouse, Edinburgh, where he met staff and volunteers giving information and advice about available financial assistance and wider support.

He said: “We are urging as many people as possible to talk to family, friends and other people they know to encourage them to apply for benefits they may be entitled to. We want people to get any support that they are eligible for.

“We know that word of mouth helps to raise awareness of Social Security Scotland’s payments, and those provided by the UK Government which may be needed to access Scottish benefits. We also want anyone who thinks they might be eligible for payments to check what’s available to them.

“While several of our payments are designed for people on low incomes there are also others which provide support to disabled people, young people starting their careers after a period of unemployment, and carers including young carers.

“Social security is a shared investment in people and supports building a fairer, more equal society. The current cost of living crisis shows that any of us could need this support at some point in our lives. That is why it is right that we invest in social security together.

“The Scottish Government is grateful for the impactful role that Citizens Advice advisers play in promoting and supporting access to social security.”

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