Relevant considerations for setting a review period

Generally, review periods should be set between 2 and 10 years. There are exceptions to this rule. For more information, read the Exception: Review periods under 2 years page.

When setting a review period, you should schedule the review to take place at the point by which the individual’s needs relating to their conditions or disability could be likely to have changed. The relevant factors to consider when determining when that would be are set out in the Relevant considerations for setting a review period section in this chapter.

When setting a review period, it is essential that you take a person-centred approach. The review period must be appropriate for the individual. It must be set at a point where the individual’s award might not be at the right level for them anymore. By reviewing their award at that point in time, this will make sure that they receive the appropriate level of support.

It is not appropriate to set shorter review periods as a default, as this:

• does not take a person-centred approach
• will lead to the individual having to engage with the review process sooner and more often, potentially leading to a negative experience

It is not appropriate to set longer review periods as a default, as this could:

• lead to overpayments for the individual if they fail to report a change of circumstances (e.g. increase in needs or going into a residential or educational establishment)
• make individuals feel like they’re not treated in a person-centred and supportive way by Social Security Scotland.

There is no specific guidance on review periods for individual conditions. This is because an individual’s condition is just one of many factors that you need to take into consideration when setting a review period. However knowledge of the condition and developments typical for it can be helpful. Medical guidance should be consulted as needed for this. ( A to Z list of common illnesses and conditions | NHS inform ; Health A to Z - NHS (www.nhs.uk)(link is external) ; Scottish health information you can trust | NHS inform)

You should consider all of the available and relevant information about the individual when reaching a decision.

Review dates should be set at the point where there is a reasonable expectation that the individual’s needs may have changed in a way that their current award might not be right for them anymore.

Setting a review period can be a complex decision. If you are unclear as to how the individual’s level of need is likely to develop over time, they must request a case discussion with a Health and Social Care practitioner.

Shorter review periods (2 to 5 years)

You should select a review period between 2 and 5 years if the individual is likely to experience a change in their level of need, but not in the immediate future. This might be due to, for example:

• the individual becoming able to manage their condition more independently as they reach milestones in their childhood development
• the individual’s condition being expected to improve
• treatment being expected to reduce the impact of the individual’s condition(s)
• the individual’s needs are expected to increase in the near future, e.g. because they have a progressive condition

This list is not exhaustive

If it is more likely than not that the individual’s needs will change before the 2-year mark, you should refer to the exceptions section on Review periods under 2 years before making your decision.