Stirling CAB publishes plain English guide to help navigate benefits system
New guide covers Universal Credit, basic bank accounts, ‘bedroom tax’ and more.
Stirling District Citizens Advice Bureau has published a new guide to help those struggling with the complexities of the social security system.
Stirling District CAB’s Plain English Guide to Help Sort out Benefits was launched by Minister for Social Security Jeanne Freeman MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Keith Brown MSP.
The new guide consists of a set of factsheets covering a range of topics, including Universal Credit, the Scottish Welfare Fund, basic bank accounts and the ‘bedroom tax’. The factsheets have been awarded a Crystal Mark by the Plain English Campaign.
Stirling District CAB Manager Craig Anderson said the guide had been created to help people navigate the often complex social security system. He said:
“The social security system is there to support people who are in need. But, in our experience, too many people find it complex and difficult to access, and the language used in the system can be a barrier. That is why we have produced this new guide to help people understand and navigate the system. We want to set out the basic facts that people need to know – and do so in language anyone can understand.
“We hope that these guides can be of use to all who are affected by the welfare reforms, and we are keen that other agencies use them so that the information can be disseminated to the wider community.”
For further information on the guide, please contact: craig.anderson@stirlingcab.casonline.org.uk