NEWS RELEASE
Stirling CAB publish Plain English Guide to Help people understand Benefits system
Stirling District Citizens Advice Bureau will today (Thursday) publish its new Plain EnglishGuide to Help Sort out Benefits.
The launch will be attended by Scottish government ministers Keith Brown MSP (Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work) and Jeane Freeman MSP(Minister for Social Security).
Thenew guide consists of a set of factsheetscoveringa range of topics including Universal Credit, the Scottish Welfare Fund, Basic Bank Accounts and the Under-occupancy penalty (or ‘Bedroom Tax’). The factsheets have been awarded a Crystal Mark by the Plain English Campaign..
Stirling District CAB Manager Craig Anderson says,
“The social security system is there to support people who are in need. But in our experience too many people find it complex and difficult to access, and the language used in the system can be a barrier.
“That is why we have produced this new guide to help people understand and navigate the system. We want to set out the basic facts that people need to know, and do so in language anyone can understand.
“We hope that these guides can be of use to all who are affected by the welfare reforms and we are keen that other agencies use them so that the information can be disseminated to the wider community.”
Note to media – The two Ministers will be at StirlingDistrict CAB Bureau, 3 Cameronian Street, StirlingFK 8 2DX from 9.10 a.m. Bureau staff will be available for interviews and photographs from 8.45 a.m. till 10.45 a.m.
For further information please contact: Craig Anderson, Bureau Manager on 01786
Stirling District Citizens Advice Bureau Ltd. is a Company Limited by Guarantee, Number 126241, and is recognised by the Inland Revenue as a Charity. Charity Number: SC 007270
We are Sainsbury’s local charity of the year for 2017/2018
Appendix:
Case studies:
The following case studies are presented with names and details changed in order to protect identities.
ESA Medical Assessments
Pauline was claiming ESA: however, it was stopped after her latest Work Capability Assessment (WCA). She is autistic and suffers from depression and alcoholism. She had drafted a mandatory reconsideration letter herself and came to the bureau to have an advisor read it through. She was also looking to complain about the way she was treated at the assessment, which left her feeling depressed and suicidal. She returned a few weeks later stating that the decision had not been changed. Consequently, she was assisted to appeal the decision.
Sanctions
Isobel, as a survivor of domestic abuse, was referred to the bureau as part of the Domestic Abuse Transitions Advice (DATA) project. She is presently in the work-related activity group for ESA, which was suspended as she did not attend a meeting. It transpiredthat she received no notification of the meeting. At the time of her referral she was living in accommodation for the homeless with no electricity as she had no money to top up her meter.
Universal Credit
Fergus is ex-armed forces and suffers from severe paranoia and anxiety. He attended his local Jobcentre plus (JCP) to submit a claim for UC. He had recently changed address and the JCP computer did not recognise his postcode, even though it was from the Stirling area. Despite trying for 2 hours they were unable to submit a successful claim. He had to return for another appointment, during which he faced the same disastrous circumstances of his first appointment. Whilst these submissions were being made, Fergus was without income. The final outcome resulted in new claims for ESA and housing benefit being submitted in order for Fergus to be provided with an income.
Angela is a victim of domestic abuse, which has left her suffering from depression. As a result of her condition she lost the password for her UC account. She was required to start a new claim and she has no income whilst this is being processed. Consequently a referral to the local foodbank was required