Advocacy Help For Benefit Applicants - A Consultation

11th July 2019

Creating a fairer system for all.

New independent advocacy workers will be on hand to help disabled people applying for Scotland's new social security benefits.

A consultation is currently seeking views on how best to ensure the highest standards of service are consistently delivered for those applying for Social Security Scotland benefits.

Advocacy can help secure a person's social security rights and aid them in making informed decisions.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:"Our social security service provides dignity, fairness and respect. Advocacy support for those applying for Scottish benefits is an integral part of delivering those principles.

"To protect disabled applicants’ rights and ensure everyone is fully involved in the decisions that affect them, advocacy support will be provided where necessary.

“To make sure this support is of the same high quality across Scotland, the consultation launched today is asking for people’s views on draft service standards. The responses will ensure services meet the needs of people.

“I believe this is important additional help we can give that’s not currently available in the Department for Work and Pensions administered system."

Details of the consultation at

https://consult.gov.scot/social-security/advocacy-service-standards/

Advocacy support for social security in Scotland will be independent of Scottish Ministers.

Subject to the consultation, it is planned that advocacy support will be in place for summer 2020 when disability assistance is delivered.

Support will be available even if a disabled person has a guardian or supporter.