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Apply for Scotland's Redress Scheme

How it works

Last updated
13 Jun 2022

There are 2 types of applications for Scotland’s Redress Scheme. You can apply for either:

  • a fixed rate payment of £10,000, or

  • an individually assessed payment of up to £100,000

If you accept a payment offer, your UK benefits will not be reduced or stopped.

 The application forms are similar, but there are some important differences:

  • for a fixed rate payment, you must show you were living in a care setting when you were abused - however, you do not need to give documents as evidence of your abuse

  • you should provide as much evidence as possible for an individually assessed payment

Fixed rate payment - £10,000

For a fixed rate payment, please complete Part 1 and Part 2 of the application forms.

In Part 2, you need to give information about:

  • when and where you were abused

  •  what type of abuse you experienced

You will also need to give a written statement about your abuse.

For a fixed rate payment, you must show you were living in a care setting when you were abused - however, you do not need to give documents as evidence of your abuse.

This information will be used by Redress Scotland's panel to make a decision about your application. 

Read the "Help to apply" guidance for more information about what to include in your statement.

Individually assessed payment - up to £100,000

For an individually assessed payment, you must complete Part 1 and Part 3 of the application forms.

In Part 3, you need to give information about:

  • when and where you were abused

  • what type of abuse you experienced

  • who was involved in your abuse (for example a peer or a member of staff)

  • if you were singled out for specific reasons (for example your age, gender, or race)

The information you give will be looked at by a panel, who will consider your application and how much money they might be able to offer you.

For an individually assessed payment, you will also need to provide supporting documents as evidence of your abuse.

Supporting documents 

For an individually assessed payment, you need to provide one or more pieces of information, or evidence, that support your statement of abuse. You do not have to have one document for each care setting, but you should try and provide as much evidence as possible.

Examples of supporting documents

 
  • medical, social care or school records from the time you were in care
  • medical records from after you were in care that include reference to a physical, psychological or psychiatric harm from your time in care
  • evidence of a physical injury or psychological or psychiatric harm
  • medical, psychiatric or psychological assessments related to your abuse in care
  • previous reports or disclosures to the police or to others
  • previous statements or evidence given in other proceedings (for example in court)
  • statements from other people, for example someone who witnessed your abuse or knew about your abuse at the time
  • criminal convictions of anyone who abused you or was responsible for your abuse

If you’re struggling to find evidence, please contact a case worker. You can also read the "Help to apply" guidance for more information about:

  • supporting documents

  • what to include in your statement

Getting help to complete your application

Case worker

You can contact a case worker when you need help with your application.

A case worker works for the Scottish Government on behalf of Scotland’s Redress Scheme. They can help you with questions about:

  • how to complete your application form

  • what documents to provide

  • where to get support

Contact a case worker

 

For survivors:

Phone: 0808 175 0808 (freephone)

+ 44 131 297 6500 (international)

Email: apply@redress-scheme.scot

For next of kin applicants:

Phone: 0808 281 7777(freephone)

+ 44 131 244 2542 (international)

Email: nextofkinteam@gov.scot

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.

Solicitor  

It’s your choice and right to use a solicitor to support you through the application process.

Scotland’s Redress Scheme will pay the fees for a solicitor to help you do this.

A solicitor cannot apply for you, but they can:

  • help you complete your application

  • give you independent legal advice

  • explain your options if you receive a payment offer

You can learn more about getting legal support for your application in the "Summary of options" document. 

Emotional support

You can contact the Redress Emotional Support Helpline on 0800 211 8403. 

Or you can find out more about the emotional support available.

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