Free support available for benefit applications
People urged not to pay for help to apply.
Anyone in Scotland who needs additional support to apply for benefits can receive free help to complete their applications.
There are several options available for people who need support:
Our Client Advisers can help people by talking to them by phone or through webchat.
People can also get help in their communities from our team of local advisers.
In addition, the Scottish Government funds an independent advocacy service to deliver free advice and support to disabled people applying for benefits.
Organisations including Citizens Advice Scotland, Macmillan Cancer Support, Age Scotland and local authority welfare rights teams can also help.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said:
“I urge everyone to avoid any company asking people for money to help them apply for benefits. Free support is readily available from Social Security Scotland and several organisations.
“People should get every penny of the vital support we are delivering to help them live with dignity. Companies charging fees to make benefit applications are exploiting people and taking money from those who need it most.”
Derek Mitchell, CEO of Citizens Advice Scotland said:
“Our advisers in local Citizens Advice Bureaus across Scotland provide free and confidential advice expert advice that gets money back in people's pockets. Whether you need that face to face, over the phone or online, advisers based in local communities will work with you and make sure you get all the support you need.
“No one should have to pay for advice to get the social security payments they're entitled to. Every penny of the nearly £170 million we secured for people last year, stayed with them.”
Background
- We can support people to apply over the phone on 0800 182 2222 or via webchat.
- People can make in-person appointments with advisers in their local area over the phone via our helpline
- Support is also available from an advocate. The independent advocacy service is funded by the Scottish Government to support disabled people throughout the process of applying for benefits from Social Security Scotland. More information about the service and other support can be found at: mygov.scot/get-extra-support-applying-for-benefits-in-scotland
- For more information on Social Security Scotland payments visit mygov.scot/benefits-support