On this page

Redeterminations

If you are unhappy with a decision made by Social Security Scotland about most benefits it pays, you can ask for the decision to be looked at again. This is called a ‘redetermination’. 

The information on this page applies to:

  • best start grants
  • funeral support payments
  • young carer grants
  • winter heating payment
  • child winter heating payment and
  • Scottish child payment

You should ask for this within 31 days of the date of the decision you are unhappy with (42 days for child winter heating assistance). 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 for most benefits.

Appealing to the First-tier Tribunal

If you are still unhappy with the decision after a redetermination has happened, 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 date of 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.

More information

Learn more by having a look at CPAG in Scotland's free eLearning on Scottish benefit appeals.

For in-depth information about how to challenge Social Security Scotland decisions, read chapter 80 of the Welfare benefits and tax credits handbook. You'll need a subscription to log in and read the content.