Welfare Rights Service Appeal
Finding a way through the welfare benefits system can be a complex and baffling process. For people with dementia and their carers it can be an almost impossible task.
Alzheimer Scotland’s Welfare Rights Service exists to give information and advice about social security benefits administered by the Department of Work and Pensions and local authorities. It helps with completing claim forms, correspondence, challenging decisions and representation at appeal tribunals.
Increasing household income in this way can make all the difference to a family that needs to meet the higher costs associated with dementia.
The service is also able to advise on the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 to assist an adult who has lost capacity and help provide information on local authority charging policies for people receiving care at home or in a care home, including issues such as free personal care legislation.
This service is entirely dependent on fundraising for its survival and is very cost effective. In 2005-06 the service cost £102,000, and generated £430,000 in income for more than 100 families.
The Welfare Rights Service is based in Glasgow but operates well beyond the city by phone, e-mail and post. Of the income generated, 40% is for people from areas outside Glasgow. The service also raises awareness of benefits by talks to carers’ groups, and by providing training and support to our staff across Scotland at our services on over 60 sites, enabling them to provide local information to people with dementia and their carers wherever they live.
Please help us with the on-going costs and development of this service by completing the on-line donation form below and giving as generously as you can.
Freephone 0808 808 3000