What is supporting information

Why we need supporting information

Supporting information helps Social Security Scotland make sure it has as much detail as possible before making a determination on your application or reviewing your existing award. 

This is information that describes:

• how a condition or disability affects you
• what support you need

Social Security Scotland uses supporting information to:

• help understand your application
• make a determination on your application and entitlement 

Supporting information documents are usually copies of documents about your care or mobility needs that you may have already.

You can provide documents or Social Security Scotland can gather information on your behalf. You should still apply if you do not have documents or do not know who to speak to. Social Security Scotland can still consider your application without this information.

What we’re looking for

Social Security Scotland will use supporting information you provide to understand the impact your health condition or disability has on your daily life.

Social Security Scotland will use supporting information to build a picture of your lived experience, or the lived experience of the child or young person and understand:

• any diagnoses
• current symptoms and the effect they have 
• the severity and impact of symptoms
• current care and mobility needs, including the impact on everyday life
• any treatments, therapies or adaptations

Older information or general information on the condition may not be as helpful, unless the impact of the condition or disability is stable. This is because the information:

• may not reflect your current circumstances
• may be out of date

If you’re unsure about what to send or if you’re not sure who you would ask, call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.

Child Disability Payment

You need to provide one piece of information from a professional to support your application for Child Disability Payment. You can also provide information from other people who know the child or young person and can describe how their condition affects them.

Adult Disability Payment

You need to provide one piece of information from a professional to support your application for Adult Disability Payment. You can also provide information from other people who know you and can describe how your condition affects you.

Ask Social Security Scotland to gather supporting information on your behalf

You can provide documents yourself or Social Security Scotland can help you by gathering supporting information on your behalf.

Social Security Scotland can approach individuals or organisations on your behalf to ask for information in support of your application. Social Security Scotland will only contact individuals or organisations who you have given your permission to contact.

If you’re worried about getting information from a professional or are not sure who you would ask, call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.

The call centre opening times are Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (UK time).

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

Examples of supporting information

You can send documents you have about your disability. The type of documents you may have could depend on your circumstances and disability. 

We’re looking for information that describes your current symptoms and the impact they're currently having. 

Child Disability Payment

Supporting information you can send for Child Disability Payment includes:

• test results or certificates
• medical reports or letters, such as occupational therapy reports, physiotherapy reports, discharge letters from hospitals, reports from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
• social care assessments or social work assessments
• reports or letters from the child’s school, social workers or carers
• educational support plans
• care plans or treatment plans
• the supporting information form filled out by someone who knows or cares for the child

Adult Disability Payment

The types of supporting information you can send for Adult Disability Payment include:

• test results or certificates
• medical reports or letters, such as occupational therapy reports, physiotherapy reports, discharge letters from hospitals
• social care assessments or social work assessments
• care plans or treatment plans
• physical adaptations made to your home