PEOPLE in Scotland needing financial support this Christmas have been urged to take up offers of free advice, and avoid companies charging for the service.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville issued the call, with a reminder that Social Security Scotland has a team of advisers just a phone call or a webchat away, while the Scottish government’s advocacy service is on hand to offer support to people with disabilities applying for benefits.

She said: “Free support is readily available from Social Security Scotland and several organisations.

“People should get every penny of the vital support we are delivering to help them live with dignity. 

“Companies charging fees to make benefit applications are exploiting people and taking money from those who need it most.”

Organisations offering free advice include council welfare teams, Macmillan Cancer Support, Age Scotland and Citizens Advice Scotland, whose CEO, David Mitchell, added: “Our advisers in local Citizens Advice Bureaus across Scotland provide free and confidential expert advice that gets money back in people’s pockets.

“No-one should have to pay for advice to get the social security payments they’re entitled to.”