Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Web chat service for clients

There will be clients who are online, have quick questions and would like to be able to speak to someone straight away – in the way that they would usually do through our phone line.

We have introduced a web chat function to give people a range of ways that they can get in touch with us. Clients will be able to use this web chat for general enquiries and to ask for progress updates on their application. We are not be able to take new applications through this web chat.

Web chat is available Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.

It can be accessed at mygov.scot/contact-social-security-scotland

Clients can now send in evidence online

Once you have submitted your application online, you will get a message guiding you to the new portal to upload your evidence on mygov.scot.

If you have been asked to upload additional evidence to support an application that has already been submitted, you can do this on our evidence uploading webpage.

Using a computer or mobile device you can upload up to five pieces of evidence. An example of a document that could be uploaded is a MAT B1 form (maternity certificate) that can be used to support a Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment application.

When you upload a piece of evidence, we will match it to your application and put it into your applicant record.

Sending in your evidence online will be the quickest way to get it to us and it will help us to process your application as quickly as possible.

Changes to benefits

On Wednesday 1 April 2020, the Scottish Parliament approved emergency legislation to help businesses, public services and people through the ongoing pandemic.

This includes some changes to the way that we will administer five of our benefits.

These changes are to enable people to still access our support should Covid-19 impact their ability to get an application in within set timescales.

Clients who make a late application after 7 April 2020 may still be treated as eligible even when the delay means they are out with our normal eligibility ages, provided they have explained that the reason for their application being late is due to Covid-19.

For more information please visit our News section or clients can visit mygov.scot for eligibility information and to apply.

Re-determination and appeals timescales extended

On Wednesday 1 April 2020, the Scottish Parliament approved emergency legislation to help businesses, public services and people through the ongoing pandemic.

This includes some changes to the way that Social Security Scotland can manage re-determinations and appeals. You can read more in our news article.