A new advocacy service has been created to allow disabled people access help in applying for Scottish social security benefits.
The new service is being delivered by VoiceAbility, an independent organisation of the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland.
The support is available at no cost for disabled people applying for any of Social Security Scotland’s current and future benefits such as Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment.
It can also help with advocacy support for disabled people to access payments for families and for those who need assistance with funeral costs, as well as carers and young people working in the workplace.
Chief executive of VoiceAbility, Jonathan Senker, told Lanarkshire Live : “We are proud to have established a new base in Scotland to provide this Independent Advocacy Service.
“Our team of skilled advocates will cover the length and breadth of Scotland to provide bespoke support to disabled people to apply for benefits from Social Security Scotland.
“The advocacy we provide will support disabled people to make sure their voices are heard when it matters most and will mean that more people know and understand their rights when applying for Social Security Scotland benefits.
“We are excited about the difference this service will make to disabled people.”
The Government has committed to £20.4m in funding over the four years for the new service.
This will create around 100 new advocacy jobs across the country.
Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson added: “Accessing social security is a human right and we have an obligation to do what we can to make sure disabled people are able to get the help they need to access the financial support they are entitled to.
“This is why we are investing in an independent and free advocacy service for disabled people who need support to engage with us.
“This new service will help disabled people be aware of their rights, express themselves, and feel understood when applying for Scottish social security benefits.
“Our system is designed to adapt to an individual’s needs rather than expecting them to adapt to access it and we start from a position of trust.
“I am delighted that this new independent service is available to disabled people, it highlights how we are ensuring our social security system is based on dignity, fairness, and respect.”
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