How to Challenge a Social Security Scotland Decision
Home | New Scottish Benefits |If you are unhappy with a decision made by Social Security Scotland on a best start grant, funeral support payment or young carer grant you can ask for the decision to be looked at again. This is called a redetermination. You should ask for this within 31 days of the date of the decision you are unhappy with. This time limit can be extended up to one year from the date of the decision if you have a good reason for missing the 31 day limit.
At the moment, the one year time limit can be extended if your request is late due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Social Security Scotland has to deal with your request within 16 working days. During the coronavirus outbreak this deadline has been extended by nine weeks.
If you are still unhappy with the decision after this, or if Social Security Scotland has not made a decision on your request within the set timescale, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. The time limit for appealing is 31 days and this can also be extended up to one year from the Social Security Scotland’s redetermination.
At the moment, the one year time limit can be extended if your appeal is late due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The appeal tribunal is independent of Social Security Scotland and will look again at your claim.