Your consultation

Preparing for your consultation

Social Security Scotland will send you an invitation letter. It will let you know what parts of your application they want to talk about. 

You’ll also get a checklist. You can use the checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your consultation.

You should prepare and send us any supporting information before your appointment. This will help Social Security Scotland make a decision on your application.

Talking about your condition 

During the consultation Social Security Scotland will talk about how your condition or disability affects you. They may also discuss some points you've already told them about in your application form.

To prepare, you should think about:

• what’s difficult for you to do
• if there’s anything you’re not able to do 
• how your conditions affect you on a daily basis
• your worst days and how those affect you

If you’d like a copy of your application form to refer to, you can call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.

What to expect during your consultation 

You’ll be speaking to a health and social care practitioner. Their name will be in your invitation letter.

Your consultation will be recorded unless you opt out.  

As well as the points in the letter, you can also talk about: 

• any other parts of your application
• anything else you think will be important 

How long your consultation lasts will depend on your personal circumstances. Your invitation letter will tell you how long the consultation should take.

Taking a break during your consultation

Social Security Scotland understands that speaking about your condition or disability could be challenging. If you need a break, let your health and social care practitioner know.

If you feel unable to continue, let them know. They can help reschedule for another day.

Checking your identity 

In-person consultations

Bring 2 forms of ID with you. A list of accepted IDs will be in your invitation letter. 

If you cannot bring 2 forms of ID, Social Security Scotland will ask you 3 security questions. This is to make sure they’re speaking to the right person.  The questions are based on information you've already given them.

Phone or video consultations

Social Security Scotland will ask you 3 security questions about yourself. 

If they’re unable to confirm your identity, they’ll need to rearrange the consultation.