Cash-strapped residents are being urged to talk about benefits to their friends and family in a bid to reduce the stigma associated with claiming help.

Thousands of local people face a bleak winter as financial pressures increase due to the cost-of-living crisis.

However, a total of 12 benefits are available through Social Security Scotland to help low-income households cope with the challenges that lie ahead.

Social security minister Ben Macpherson said people can help to raise awareness of the support on offer by having conversations with loved ones about their finances.

He added: “We are urging as many people as possible to talk to family, friends and other people they know to encourage them to apply for benefits they may be entitled to.

“We want people to get any support that they are eligible for.

“We know that word of mouth helps to raise awareness of Social Security Scotland’s payments and those provided by the UK Government which may be needed to access Scottish benefits.

“We also want anyone who thinks they might be eligible for payments to check what’s available to them.”

Mr Macpherson also stressed that, while several of the payments available through Social Security Scotland are designed for people on low incomes, there are others which provide support to disabled people, young people starting their careers after a period of unemployment and carers, including young carers.

“Social security is a shared investment in people and supports building a fairer, more equal society,” he added.

“The current cost-of-living crisis shows that any of us could need this support at some point in our lives.”

For details of the support on offer, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/benefits.