A Carluke welfare expert has urged people across Lanarkshire to reach out for help with Social Security Scotland benefits. Amanda McLay works as an advocate for Advocacy.scot, a service which helps people to get the help they need.
Proudest Moment: Helping Parents Claim Thousands
She said one of her proudest moments was helping parents claim thousands of pounds in backdated Child Disability Payment. More than 13,000 families across North and South Lanarkshire receive the benefit.
Former youth worker Amanda, 39, said: “It is such a rewarding job. A mum and dad with a young son with autism were struggling. They were unaware that they were entitled to this type of support and ended up getting thousands to help them. They were so thankful. It is great to be able to help people who need who live on your doorstep.”
Advocacy.scot: Independent Advocacy for Benefits
Advocacy.scot provides independent advocacy to help people understand, apply for and challenge decisions about Social Security Scotland benefits. The service is run by charity Advice Direct Scotland. Independent advocacy means speaking up for people who face barriers and working with people to understand and express their own views on their own terms.
Rise in Queries About Pension Age Disability Payment
She added: “We are receiving a lot of queries about Pension Age Disability Payment now, as it is a relatively new benefit. Since many of the people applying are elderly and do not have access to computers or laptops or cannot type, I provide face-to-face support. We offer home visits for this reason, which is something that not many organisations offer. People really appreciate that type of service and like to have a face-to-face meeting to sort things out.”
Advocacy.scot helps disabled people throughout the whole benefits journey including applications, appeals and assessments.
