Question reference: S6W-13411
- Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 21 December 2022
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Current status: Answered by Ben Macpherson on 19 January 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to promote the uptake of social security benefits by older people, including those who do not use the internet.
Answer
Our second Benefit Take-up Strategy, published in October 2022, sets out how we are working to ensure people can access the support they are entitled to, including older people. We are working closely with stakeholders to break down the barriers which limit the take-up of benefits, including digital exclusion, in several ways.
Social Security Scotland’s Local Delivery teams are undertaking extensive engagement across the country – including providing drop in advice in venues where older people may meet. Working on the ground, within communities, and bringing services to people is key to reaching more seldom heard groups, including older people.
Through our Stakeholder Reference Group, we will continue to engage with organisations such as Age Scotland in order to ensure that the experience and needs of older people inform policy decisions going forward.