After you apply

Once we receive your application, we will contact you within 6 weeks to:

• let you know if we need more information
• tell you about next steps

How Redress Scotland will review your application 

Fixed rate payment

For a fixed rate payment, Redress Scotland will look at your statement against the definitions of abuse used by Scotland’s Redress Scheme.

They will check that the abuse in your statement meets at least one of these definitions and that it took place in a relevant care setting.

Find out more about these definitions of abuse and a list of relevant care settings

Individually assessed payment

For an individually assessed payment, Redress Scotland will use the ”Assessment framework” to help them make a decision about your application.

This document has guidance about how a Redress Scotland panel will look at your statement and consider the nature, severity, frequency and duration of your abuse.

By considering these, Redress Scotland can decide what level of payment to offer you.

Accepting the offer

You can choose to accept or reject your offer. Your solicitor can advise you about this, if you have one. 

If you’re offered a payment, you’ll need to sign a legal waiver to receive it.  

If you accept it, you’ll be asked to:

• confirm your decision in writing
• sign a legal waiver, if you’re offered a payment

Once that’s complete, you’ll then receive a letter with your:

• payment
• an apology, if you would like one
• emotional support, consisting of 2-3 stabilising sessions and a further 12 non-specialist emotional support sessions if needed

You can find out more about accepting or rejecting your offer in the "Summary of options" document.

Challenging your application decision

You can request a review of Redress Scotland’s decision about your application.

If you would like to do this, contact your case worker and they will send you a form.

Reclaiming expenses

You can reclaim the costs of completing your application for Scotland’s Redress Scheme.

This includes the cost of:

• getting or certifying documents
• meeting in person with Redress Scotland, if you’re asked to

You can either:

• download an expenses form and return it by email, or
• complete a paper copy of the expenses form and return it by post

Contact a case worker if you'd like to receive a paper copy of the expenses form in the post.

If you are a solicitor

There are separate forms and guidance for solicitors to reclaim expenses.

There are also forms for solicitors to request:

• payment for legal fees
• prior approval of additional work

How to give feedback and make a complaint about Scotland’s Redress Scheme

You can provide feedback or make a formal complaint about Scotland’s Redress Scheme.  

By post

Address:

Redress
PO Box 24209
EDINBURGH
EH7 9GT

By email

Email: redress@gov.scot

By Phone

Phone: 0808 196 1502

Lines are open Monday to Thursday, from 10am to 4pm (except Scottish public holidays).

There is an answering machine at other times, and if you leave a message we will get back to you as soon as we can.