The SNP Government will soon become responsible for some of the benefits currently taken care of by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and is looking for people with recent experience of benefits to help build a new social security system which makes a lasting difference to the lives of Scottish people.
The SNP Government aims to recruit at least 2,000 people from across Scotland to take part in Social Security Experience Panels and is looking for anyone who has had experience of any of the following benefits in the last 12 months:
Disability and ill-health Carer’s Allowance
Benefits that are part of the Regulated Social Fund
Discretionary Housing Payments and the Scottish Welfare Fund
People who act as a parent/guardian, appointee or power of attorney for someone with recent experience of any of the above benefits are also invited to apply.
Said Kenneth Gibson:
“This is a unique opportunity for people who use the benefits system to shape the new one we are designing here in Scotland; a system with dignity and respect at its heart.
“I encourage people with experience of the current system, good or bad, to participate.”
Registration will close on 12 May 2017, with the panels beginning in summer 2017 and running for four years. Participants can choose which activities they take part in and how much time they wish to dedicate to the experience. Your choice of activities will include completing short surveys or taking part in interviews.
Support will be available for participants who will be welcome to leave the Experience Panels at any time. Volunteers are not paid but travel expenses will be refunded to those who participate in face-to-face activities.
All personal information will be kept completely confidential and it will not be shared with anyone outside the SNP Government.
If you wish to take part, please complete a registration form online at:
www.gov.scot/socialsecurity or download a form and return it by post.
Please email socialsecurityexperience@gov.scot if you have any questions or require further assistance in completing the registration form.
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