A new campaign which will help people struggling financially get support and access the benefits they are eligible to claim has launched in Scotland.
The campaign comes as a survey reveals that one in five (21%) Scots would not feel comfortable receiving any type of financial support or grant, even if they were eligible, and seeks to address the stigma that people may have around claiming benefits.
The YouGov survey, commissioned by the Scottish Government, also found that many people were concerned about being judged by others for accessing benefits, with 20 per cent saying that they would feel judged for receiving Universal Credit, and 11 per cent for accessing Child Tax Credits.
These results indicate that there may be people in Scotland who are eligible for financial support, whether that be benefits or grants, but aren’t taking the help that’s available because of how others may perceive them for doing so.
The survey comes as the Scottish Government launches a dedicated website at www.moneysupport.scot, to help those experiencing financial difficulties find the support they need.
The Money Support Scotland website contains:
- Information and contact details for a range of organisations able to provide information on benefits people could be eligible for
- Where to go for free and impartial debt advice
- How to apply for affordable credit
The Money Support Scotland campaign is working in partnership with Citizens Advice Scotland and Advice Direct Scotland, which both help people understand what benefits they might be entitled to and how to apply for them.
The Citizens Advice network in Scotland offers free, impartial and confidential advice, with trained advisers able to help explain how people can maximise their income through benefits and grants, cut costs and help manage debt.
Its Money Map tool helps people check which benefits and grants they might be entitled to, as well as eligibility for council tax reductions and support with housing and energy costs. Advice Direct Scotland also provide financial advice and offer a free benefit calculator on their website.
Citizens Advice Scotland Chief Executive Derek Mitchell said: “People shouldn’t feel uncomfortable about accessing the support they are entitled to. That’s how the welfare state works, we all pay in and get support when we need it. That’s what the money is there for, and after the past few years people should be confident about getting the payments they are due.
“The reality is people are facing a perfect storm this winter of rising bills and falling incomes, so maximising your income and getting all the money you are entitled to is really important to help with bills and spending.”
The new website offers a wide range of support available to Scots of all ages from one-off payments to help with the cost of school uniforms to ongoing support with living costs.
To find out where to seek advice on accessing the range of financial support available, visit the website here.
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