Disabled people are being urged to find out if they are eligible
for Scottish Government disability benefits as part of a new
campaign to increase benefit take-up.
The nationwide campaign aims to raise awareness about financial
support available to help with the extra costs that disabled
children and adults may face.
Child Disability Payment provides financial support to help
families and carers with the extra costs of caring for a disabled
child or young person or a child or young person with a long-term
health condition. Adult Disability Payment is available to
people aged between 16 and state pension age who are
disabled, have a long-term health condition or a terminal
illness.
These benefits are administered by Social Security Scotland and
replace the Department for Work and Pensions’ Disability Living
Allowance (DLA) for Children, DLA and Personal Independence
Payment.
People already getting disability benefits from DWP will see
their award transfer automatically and they do not need to apply
separately.
Social Justice Secretary said:
“Being disabled or having a long-term health condition can come
with a variety of extra costs, such as paying more for accessible
transport. We want to make sure that disabled children and adults
get all the extra financial support they are entitled to, to ease
the impact of those costs.
“This campaign is not just about raising awareness but also has
an important role to play in helping to remove any stigma that
people may be worried about when applying for social security. We
believe social security is a human right. It is here for any of
us should we need it and we want to make sure people are
accessing what they are due.
“This is the first time that we are proactively promoting
disability benefits as part of a national advertising campaign,
including adverts on TV. We are not aware of the UK Government
running a campaign on the equivalent UK benefits for over
30-years. I want to actively encourage people to check if they
are eligible for Child and Adult Disability Payments and make
sure they get extra financial support to help them live full and
independent lives.”
The campaign features Piper, 9, who has Down's Syndrome. Her mum
Caroline Milburn, says disability benefits have helped cover
extra costs as well as give Piper opportunities she’d never have
had without them.
Caroline, from Edinburgh, said: “Piper is such a unique
character. When she was born we were told she wouldn’t walk until
she was around six, but she was walking at two. She’s so
determined and knows her own mind. If she wants to do something
she’ll do it.
“Disability benefit allowed me to buy her a sensory swing and a
tablet that gives her access to games that help her learn. She
just thinks she’s having fun but the games have taught her so
much. She plays them with her five-year-old brother sitting
beside her and he learns with her.
“Child Disability Payment helps cover the costs of buying Piper
new clothes and duvets as she is always chewing holes in
them It also allows me to send her to holiday clubs. She
loves them and they’re really good for her, but they cost about
£40 a week.
“Piper is such an amazing girl and she makes everyone’s lives
better. Without disability benefits we’d not have been able to
give her all the experiences and opportunities she’s had to learn
and connect with the world.”
