VoiceAbility Independent Advocacy – Support for Social Security Scotland benefit applications (VoiceAbility)

Availability : Edinburgh Wide

Who is this for?

People aged 18 years old and over

Description

VoiceAbility are commissioned by the Scottish Government to provide a free advocacy service to people across Scotland who identify as disabled and want to access Social Security Scotland benefits. They support people at any stage of their benefits journey. This advocacy support is a legal entitlement under the Social Security Scotland Act of 2018. An advocate will support people to make sure their voices are heard when it matters most, ensuring that more people know and understand their rights when applying for Social Security Scotland benefits.

To receive support from us, a person must be:

  • Living in Scotland
  • Self-identify as disabled.
  • Want to access benefits from Social Security Scotland.

Edinburgh Unpaid Carers:

Funded by the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership to provide advocacy support to unpaid carers in Edinburgh. Voiceability support any unpaid adult carer who is 18 years or older. The unpaid carer does not need to be a resident of the City of Edinburgh but must be caring for an adult or child who is a resident of Edinburgh. The carer is eligible to receive support from us if they are caring for a person who meets at least one of these criteria:

  • They have a mental health condition, a diagnosis of dementia, physical disability, sensory impairment, or an acquired brain injury.
  • They are a child or young person receiving services from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
  • They are subject to one of the following Acts: Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, Mental Health (Scotland) Act 2015 and Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000, Carers (Scotland) Act 2016
  •  

    How do I access this?

    • Self referral
    • Referral by third party

    Anyone can make a referral for advocacy support at voiceability.org/scotbenefits

    Or if preferred, referrals can be made by calling 0300 303 1660, or email helpline.scotland@voiceability.org

    Is there a cost?

    Free

    Location information

    Telephone/ online


    Types of support on offer:

    Information and advice
    Online
    Support on the phone

    Type of services on offer:

    Housing, benefits, debt
    Long term conditions/disabilities

    Share this page


    Was this page helpful?

    Is all the information correct?


    Other Suggested Services

    Anxiety Management Course – February 2024, City Centre (Health in Mind)

    Stress Management Course - January 2024, Online (Health in Mind)

    Stress Management Course - March 2024, Online (Health in Mind)