Help available for Scots in need of additional financial support

Scots in need of additional financial support have been reminded there is free assistance available to help them complete their applications.

Social Security Scotland’s team of financial advisers are available via phone call or webchat, and the Scottish Government’s advocacy service may also offer advice for disabled people applying for benefits.

Organisations including Citizens Advice Scotland, Macmillan Cancer Support, Age Scotland and local authority welfare teams can also provide additional support.

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.”