The enduring cost of living crisis and recent energy price rises means every pound matters.

Most of us will have looked to try to reduce our costs and perhaps tried to increase our incomes. Understanding our entitlement to social security and making sure we are in receipt of everything we are entitled to is a key way to do this.   

Every day our CAB network sees people who aren’t getting what they are entitled to.  I use the word ‘entitled’ very deliberately – the social security system is a safety net if you are on a low income or have specific needs that provides financial support when you need it the most. The right to social security is a human right. 

We can all need this safety net at one time or another, and many of us will access it at some time, but there are many people missing out by not claiming what they are due. 

People don’t claim benefits for a number of reasons. The social security system is complex and with benefits being administered by both Scottish and UK Governments knowing who to go to can be confusing. Many people think you can’t claim benefits while you are working (wrong!) The sheer range of benefits and different eligibility criteria can be another factor. Accessing benefits can be a challenge for many people who face barriers around digital exclusion or language. Finally - and sadly - stigma remains. Some of the people who use a local CAB talk about feeling embarrassment or shame because of claiming benefits.  

The Scottish Government publishes take-up figures for eight of the benefits it currently has responsibility for. There are variations from a massive 95% for Scottish Child Payment (under 6 years old) to only 15% for the Job Start Payment. Benefits that are based on individual circumstances such as for the extra costs of being disabled currently have no official estimates. However, the CAB network frequently sees people who are unaware of their entitlement or don’t feel their condition is serious enough to claim disability benefits.  

The Scottish Government is actively trying to improve benefit take-up and has a strategy to address the barriers to claiming, developed with the involvement of benefit claimants themselves.  

Having a system that is person-centred, user friendly and accessible is vital to ensuring we receive our entitlement.  

Our CABs play a vital role in increasing benefits take up by providing free, impartial advice in the local community. They have expert knowledge of social security in all of its complexities and access to tools and resources to carry out calculations to establish entitlement. Advisers can help you claim and provide reassurance around your rights. Like William, a pensioner living in a remote part of Scotland, who was unaware of his entitlement. As a result of a CAB outreach visit (an 80 mile round trip) he now receives High rate Attendance Allowance which in turn means he can get additional help with an energy efficiency scheme. By claiming one benefit, William will have a positive extended impact on his home and energy costs.  

Getting your full entitlement is more than financial security, it also supports physical and mental wellbeing. Don’t miss out. If you are struggling financially, go to your local CAB or try an online benefit calculator like this one www.moneymap.scot 

Stephanie Millar is manager of the Social Justice team at  Citizens Advice Scotland.

This column was first published in the Herald.