DISABLED people are being urged to find out if they are eligible for Scottish Government benefits as part of a new campaign to increase take-up.
The nationwide project aims to raise awareness about financial support available to help with extra costs that disabled children and adults may face.
The Child Disability Payment provides financial support to help families and carers with the extra costs of caring for a child or young person with either a disability or a long-term health condition.
The Adult Disability Payment is available to people aged between 16 and state pension age who are disabled, have a long-term condition or a terminal illness.
The campaign features Piper, 9, who has Down's Syndrome. Her mum Caroline Milburn, says disability benefits have helped cover extra costs as well as give Piper opportunities she’d never have had without them.
Milburn, from Edinburgh, said: “Piper is such a unique character. When she was born we were told she wouldn’t walk until she was around six, but she was walking at two. She’s so determined and knows her own mind. If she wants to do something she’ll do it.
“Disability benefit allowed me to buy her a sensory swing and a tablet that gives her access to games that help her learn. She just thinks she’s having fun but the games have taught her so much. She plays them with her five-year-old brother sitting beside her and he learns with her.
“Child Disability Payment helps cover the costs of buying Piper new clothes and duvets as she is always chewing holes in them. It also allows me to send her to holiday clubs. She loves them and they’re really good for her, but they cost about £40 a week.
“Piper is such an amazing girl and she makes everyone’s lives better. Without disability benefits we’d not have been able to give her all the experiences and opportunities she’s had to learn and connect with the world.”
Meanwhile, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "This campaign is not just about raising awareness but also has an important role to play in helping to remove any stigma that people may be worried about when applying for social security.
"We believe social security is a human right. It is here for any of us should we need it and we want to make sure people are accessing what they are due.
“This is the first time that we are proactively promoting disability benefits as part of a national advertising campaign, including adverts on TV. We are not aware of the UK Government running a campaign on the equivalent UK benefits for over 30 years.
"I want to actively encourage people to check if they are eligible for Child and Adult Disability Payments and make sure they get extra financial support to help them live full and independent lives.”
