Who to contact if you're moving or travelling outside of Scotland

Who to contact if you're moving or travelling outside of Scotland

You need to tell Social Security Scotland.

If it’s a temporary move, tell them when you’re coming back.

Find out how to let Social Security Scotland know that you’ve moved.

To make a new application

If you’re outside of the UK you can call Social Security Scotland on +44 (0)1382 931 000. You'll be charged to call from abroad. Check with your phone provider to find out about any charges.

Let the person on the phone know which benefit you want to apply for. Let them know that you're calling from abroad and ask them to call you back.

You'll be asked for some details and someone from Social Security Scotland will arrange to call you back to complete the application. This is so you’ll not be charged for applying over the phone.

The call centre opening times are 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (UK time).

If you're a British Sign Language user, you can use the Contact Scotland service to contact Social Security Scotland by video relay.

Documents you might be asked for

Sending documents from abroad

If you're posting from outside the UK you need to make sure you use the correct amount of postage. Check this with your country’s postal service.

Try to send photocopies rather than originals. Within the UK, it can take Social Security Scotland up to 2 weeks to return any original documents you send. This period of time is likely to be longer if you live outside the UK.

You might be able to make photocopies of your documents at your local library, post office or copy shop.

You might want to use a tracked post service, especially if you're sending any important original documents.
On every photocopy make sure you write: 

• your full name
• your date of birth
• your National Insurance number, if you know it
• the name of the Social Security Scotland assistance that you get, so we know what you’re applying for

If you need help or advice

You might want to get independent advice about your options.

This could be from your local Citizens Advice Bureau, your local council's welfare rights service or local advice service if you live abroad. 

Find out more about getting help and advice with benefits in Scotland.

If you don’t tell us that you have moved abroad

You may be prosecuted for benefit fraud if you:

• do not tell the office that pays your benefit you’re going abroad, even if it’s just for a visit
• deliberately do not report a change in your circumstances while abroad, like buying a property, working, or receiving a pension or benefit from another country
• are dishonest in order to get benefits, like continuing to receive the pension or benefit of someone who has died overseas

Addresses and further information

If you need to get in touch

By phone

If calling from within the UK, call for free on 0800 182 2222.

If calling from outside the UK, call +44 (0)1382 931 000. This number is not free but you can ask us to call you back. You should check with your phone provider to find out about any charges.

You can call between 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (UK time).

If you're a British Sign Language user, you can use the contactSCOTLAND app to contact Social Security Scotland by video relay.

By post

General Enquiries
PO Box 10301
DUNDEE
DD1 9FW
United Kingdom

If you write to Social Security Scotland make sure your letter says:

• the name of the social security assistance you want to apply for
• your full name and date of birth
• your National Insurance number, if you know it