Fund for charities and third sector to support people accessing benefits

The Scottish Government has announced a new 'Scottish Benefit Take-up Fund' to support charities and third sector organisations in their work to tackle the perceived stigma around benefits and support people through the application process to access benefits. Opening for bids in November 2019, the fund will also help organisation to be prepared for the new benefits system, with a particular emphasis on helping those who are new to applying for benefits and assisting harder to reach people. 

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Sommerville said: 

"We believe social security is an investment in the people of Scotland and it should help tackle poverty. This new fund will help charities and third sector organisations get prepared for the new system we are creating. It will have a particular emphasis on helping those who are new to applying for benefits and helping harder-to-reach people."