Third sector organisations in Scotland to be paid a fee for providing information to support disability benefit claims

Scottish Government confirms fee of £33.50 for organisations who have been asked by Social Security Scotland to complete a supporting information request form

The Scottish Government has announced that third sector organisations in Scotland are to be paid a fee for providing information to support claims for child disability payment or adult disability payment.

Confirming that the £33.50 fee will be paid when organisations are asked by Social Security Scotland to complete a supporting information request form, the Scottish Government says that –

'People who are applying for disability benefits who find it difficult or face barriers gathering supporting information themselves will be able to name organisations to provide this for them.

These can include third sector organisations that are helping them in their day-to-day lives, such as those offering social care or support during an illness.'

The Scottish Government also confirms that third sector organisations who were asked to provide supporting information for clients receiving child disability payment or adult disability payment before the fee payments process was in place will be able to have their payments backdated, and that –

'Guidance will be provided to any third sector organisation who is asked to provide supporting information, with information also available on Social Security Scotland’s website.'

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said today –

'We know that third sector organisations supporting disabled people are often best placed to provide information on their conditions and needs which is why we are introducing this payment. We recognise the value of the information that organisations supporting disabled people can supply and we want to put it on an equal footing with the information from other professionals, such as social care staff or GPs …

We are committed to making sure everyone gets the financial support they are entitled to and we actively work to encourage take-up of Scottish Government social security benefits by promoting our 13 benefits, collaborating with various organisations and removing barriers to access.'

For more information, see Third sector to get fee for supporting people applying for Scottish Government disability benefits from gov.scot