A new Scottish Government advocacy service has been launched to support disabled people to access benefits and to enable them “to have their voice heard, express their views and feel understood”.
The executive agency that administers the Scottish social security system, Social Security Scotland, says that an advocate will be available to anyone who, because of their disability, needs support applying for benefits. An advocate can be requested at any time - from the initial application stage to re-determination and appeal.
Social Security Scotland explains that:
“An advocate will listen to you and try to understand your point of view and what you want to happen.
They can help you to:
- apply for a benefit
- speak up and make sure your views are understood
- be fully involved and able to make decisions
- ask questions and get the information you need
- understand your rights relating to Social Security Scotland benefits
- express your rights, views, and wishes including what you want to achieve
They will not:
- give you advice
- make decisions for you
- speak for you if you're able to speak for yourself, unless you ask them to
- give their own views or opinions”
Disabled people can access this support by calling us on 0800 182 2222 and asking to be referred to the Independent Advocacy Service. They can expect to be contacted by the advocacy service within five working days.
Due to coronavirus social distancing measures, support is currently only available via telephone or video call.
For more information see:
- Get extra support applying for benefits in Scotland available @ mygov.scot.
- Scottish Benefits available from cpag.org.uk/scotland.