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 send us any supporting information before your appointment.

You should prepare for your consultation. Social Security Scotland will use the information to help them 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.

If it would be useful to have a copy of your application form, you can call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222 and they’ll send you a copy. 

To prepare before your consultation 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

In the letter inviting you to a consultation, Social Security Scotland will tell you which parts of your application they want to talk about. If you have any other information relating to these sections then it would be helpful to bring those too.

What to expect during your consultation 

You’ll be speaking to a health and social care practitioner. Social Security Scotland will tell you who that is 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.

Checking your identity 

In-person consultation

If your consultation is in person, you should bring 2 pieces of ID with you. A list of accepted IDs will be in your invitation letter. 

If you do not have 2 pieces of ID, Social Security Scotland will ask you 3 security questions about yourself. This is information you've already given them. This is to make sure that they’re speaking to the right person.  

Phone or video consultation

If your consultation is by phone or video, Social Security Scotland will ask you 3 security questions about yourself. 

If Social Security Scotland are unable to confirm your identity then they’ll need to rearrange the consultation for another day.

Taking a break during your consultation

Social Security Scotland understands that speaking about how your condition or disability affects you could be challenging. If you need to take a break during the consultation, let your health and social care practitioner know. They can arrange a short break for you. 

If you feel unable to continue the consultation, talk about this with them too. If you need to change it to another day they can help you do that.