Call to encourage uptake of benefits

A new campaign to raise awareness of how people can claim the benefits they are entitled to has been launched by the Scottish Government this week.

A week-long series of radio and press adverts will run to highlight the range of support available such as the Sure Start Maternity Grant, Carers Allowance and the Funeral Expenses Payment.

It is estimated that in 2014/15, for Tax Credits and the main income-related benefits, there could have been over 500,000 cases of individuals or families in Scotland not claiming benefits they were entitled to.

Social Security Minister, Jeane Freeman, said that the benefits system exists to help those in need and on low incomes and people should not be worried about claiming what they are entitled to.

Ms Freeman said:

“Claiming the benefits that people are entitled to will help maximise family incomes and can reduce poverty levels. For example, around a third of pensioners are entitled to Pension Credit but do not claim it. We want to help people to know what financial support is available that could make a difference to their lives.

“We also know that personal circumstances can change very quickly – whether it’s losing a job, a family bereavement, becoming a carer for a family member, or having a child.

“The evidence tells us that often many of us don’t realise that changes in our lives can mean we are entitled to additional support and that there is a range of benefits all of us are entitled to know about.

“Many of us will need that financial support at some point in our lives, whether we’re in work or not. So we all have stake in ensuring everyone is looked after properly and the social security system exists to help and support those who need it, when they need it.

“Making sure that everyone receives the financial help they are entitled to is one of the first steps towards putting dignity and respect at the heart of social security policy in Scotland.”

The Scottish Government is working with the Citizens Advice service in Scotland, which is providing a dedicated webpage with all available information on benefits and Tax Credits, eligibility and how to access them as well as a freephone benefits helpline (0800 085 7145).

The campaign features Dawn, a mum of two, who recently found out she could get some extra help to look after her son with suspected epilepsy and autism.

Citizens Advice Scotland spokesperson, Keith Dryburgh, said:

“Many of the cases dealt with by the CAB service are people not claiming benefits which they are entitled to, and which could help them financially. Changes in circumstances, such as the birth of a child or an illness, can often change people’s entitlements so it’s important that people know this and access the support available.  

“The benefits system is complex, and people don’t always know what they can apply for or how to go about doing it. The CAB service can do a benefits check to see that they are getting all the help they are entitled to. It’s amazing how many times we find that they are, in fact, missing out on some money because they didn’t know about it. This can be just a few pounds a week, or it could be much more than that.”

For further information, visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/benefits/

One Parent Families Scotland provides specialist information for single parents. Visit www.opfs.org.uk  or call the freephone Lone Parent Helpline – 0808 801 0323.

Age Scotland can help older people check whether they are missing out on payments - contact its helpline on 0800 12 44 222.