Irvine residents who have experienced the welfare system are being asked to help shape Scotland’s devolved social security system.
The Social Security Experience Panels are looking to involve those who have claimed any of the following: Personal Independence Payment; Disability Living Allowance; Attendance Allowance; Carer’s Allowance; Funeral Expenses Payment; Cold Weather Payment; Winter Fuel Payment and Industrial Injuries Disability Benefit.
More than 2400 people with experience of the welfare system have joined the panels since its inception in 2017.
It is hoped the panel will be the key mechanism for putting users’ voices at the centre of social security and to ensure the system is designed to work for those who use it.
Ruth Maguire MSP for Cunninghame South, said: “From Social Security Scotland’s opening hours to the design of the application forms, to how staff behave, and how the organisation communicates to people about moving their benefits to Scotland, experience panel members are involved in the detail of how the Scottish government delivers a service with dignity fairness and respect.
“Panel members are routinely invited to participate in surveys, focus groups and interviews, on a range of topics either specific to particular benefits or relating to how Social Security Scotland operates as an agency.
“They are free to take part as much or as little as they like, and any expenses incurred are reimbursed.
“It is important that people remain at the heart of how we deliver social security in Scotland. It would be great to see as many people as possible from my constituency volunteer in order to broaden and deepen the government’s insights into how to design a system that works for Scotland.”
More information, including how to register, can be found at www.gov.scot/publications/social-security-experience-panels-faqs/
