A NEW Scottish Government campaign has been launched to encourage people who are struggling financially to ignore feelings of stigma and claim the benefits they are entitled to.
It comes as a survey revealed one in five (21%) Scots wouldn’t feel comfortable receiving any type of financial benefits or grants, even if they were eligible. The survey also highlighted that 20% of Scots would feel judged for receiving Universal credit and 11% would feel judged for receiving Child Tax Credits.
The YouGov survey, commissioned by the Scottish Government, also found many people were concerned about being judged by others for accessing benefits. The results indicate there may be people in Scotland who are eligible for financial support but aren’t taking the help that’s available because of how others may perceive them for doing so.
The Scottish Government launched a dedicated website – www.moneysupport.scot – to help those experiencing financial difficulties find the support they need.
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The 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 and 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 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 provides 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. 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.
“Citizens Advice Scotland is proud to partner with the Scottish Government on this important campaign to ensure people get the help they need this winter. Our network can give people help in a variety of ways and during the pandemic we unlocked around £147 million for people through things like social security payments, employment entitlements and debt reductions.”
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