Social Security: advocacy service standards

Principle 1 – Definition of Advocacy

You are entitled to the support of an advocacy worker if you have a disability and, because of your disability, you need help claiming benefits under the Scottish social security system.

Your advocacy worker will help you:

• be heard and understood;
• know, understand and secure your rights under the Scottish social security system;
• ask questions and get information;
• express your rights, views, wishes and what you want to achieve, and represent your own interests;
• be fully involved and make informed decisions; and
• safeguard your rights by representing your circumstances if you are unable to.

Your advocacy worker will not provide advice.

Your advocacy worker will only speak for you when you instruct them to or when you have a significant difficulty putting your views across.

Your advocacy worker will represent you if you are unable to represent yourself.

Your advocacy worker will help you determine and promote your views and will not give their own view.

Your advocacy worker may need to consult or get information from other parties in order to help you with your situation and help you put your views across. Your advocacy worker will, when possible, ask for your permission first.