Support to access benefits if you are disabled
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 19th April 2022
VoiceAbility are providing support for people with disabilities to apply for benefits from Social Security Scotland.
If you identify as disabled, you can get free support to access benefits from Social Security Scotland. This support is available from the moment you want to start an application and is entirely independent from Social Security Scotland.
An advocate can help you to:
● understand information about your rights, and options
● ask questions so you can say what you want, have your voice heard and represent yourself
● be fully involved in decisions about your benefits
● complete the process from the point of application, including reviews and any appeals you want to make
What does an advocate do?
An advocate is an independent professional who supports people to have their say, be heard, and understand their rights. They do not work for Social Security Scotland or the Scottish government and they have no role in assessing or deciding people’s benefits.
An advocate will support you to apply for benefits. Your advocate can meet with you over the phone, over video call, or might meet you in person. An advocate will support you in the way that works best for you so you can understand what is happening and say what you want.
Your advocate will:
● listen to you and be on your side
● talk with you about your options
● plan with you what you want to do
● represent you, if you are not able to represent yourself
Your advocate will not:
● offer counselling or be your friend
● offer legal advice
● make decisions for you
● provide advice or tell you what to do
● make any decisions about what benefits you get
To find out more about advocacy support or to ask for an advocate, VoiceAbility’s website has lots of information. The easiest way to get an advocate is by visiting the website (this link will take you away from our website). You can also call VoiceAbility for free on 0300 303 1660 or email helpline@voiceability.org (this link will take you away from our website).
You can also contact Social Security Scotland about advocacy for free on 0800 182 2222.
End of page.
You may also like:
Take part in participant-led rail journey research
Continue readingThe committee wants greater involvement from lived experience to strengthen their work.
Continue readingLived experience and peer support driving mental health transformation in Scotland.
Continue readingThe new platform ‘MyCare.scot’ is being led by the Scottish Government and Public Services Delivery Scotland.
Continue readingRead more about financial support available for unpaid carers in Scotland.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, we celebrate the Scottish Sensory Hub, the important work they do, and why it matters.
Continue readingLucy Mulvagh, Director of Policy, Research and Impact, at the ALLIANCE is moving on after 10 years supporting the organisation.
Continue readingParties set out positions on human rights, social care and more at our hustings ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election.
Continue readingThe Digital Citizen Panel's monthly Conversation Cafe - Bring a Buddy has launched an 'On the Road' offer and is looking for hosts
Continue readingThese stories illustrate how system-minded, compassionate leadership is influencing transformation across health and social care in Scotland
Continue readingAfter the Scottish Government scrapped the initial review, the most recent proposal suggests a smaller number of broader outcomes.
Continue readingCare Roadshow Scotland to showcase leading innovation in care and latest sector updates at upcoming show.
Continue readingThis short report provides an overview of the role of housing in health and social care integration.
Continue readingWorking together to support families through a new whole household approach
Continue readingA coalition of organisations urges immediate support as rising costs threaten people most at risk across Scotland.
Continue readingYoung people’s feedback will help NHS 24 better understand needs and improve support services.
Continue readingALLIANCE input and lived experience evidence help shape stronger, person-centred and trauma-informed maternity care
Continue reading#TryAToolTuesday raises awareness of free and trusted apps and resources that help people improve and manage their health and wellbeing.
Continue readingEuropean Patients Forum announces 2026 training for young patient advocates to build skills and shape healthcare.
Continue readingTake part in this survey if you have a long term condition, are Deaf, Deafblind or have a Visual Impairment
Continue readingLearn more about the Parkrun BSL glossary and YouTube video series
Continue readingFind Lipreading classes local to you
Continue readingPaid internship opportunity for school leavers with Visual Impairment
Continue readingAn examination of the role of social workers in alleviating stigma experienced by members of the Deaf community in Ireland and the UK
Continue readingThis study is for young people aged 12–16 years living in Scotland, who are Blind or have Severe Sight Impairment
Continue reading