On 1 July 2015, it was announced that Black had been appointed to the Work and Pensions Select Committee.[22] She made her maiden speech on 14 July 2015 and this included some criticism of the government's approach to unemployment in her constituency and the growing need for food banks. She said, "Food banks are not part of the Welfare State. They are a symbol that the welfare state is failing."[23] Black also criticised the government over cuts to housing benefit.[24] Her speech was praised by SNP Parliamentary Group Leader, Angus Robertson, who described it as outstanding, principled and passionate.[25] Within five days of her giving this speech, it had been viewed over 10 million times on various media.[25] Black was later made aware of the change in the state pension through her constituents,[26] and has since endorsed Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) on several occasions.[27][28]