When a consultation can be requested by Social Security Scotland

A consultation can be requested by

• a case manager
• a client experience officer
• client

Social Security Scotland can request a consultation take place:

• when a client applies for Adult Disability Payment
• during a re-determination
• during a review

A client should only be requested to attend a consultation where it is the only way of gathering the information necessary to make a determination of their entitlement (Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018, s.14 (a))

Before requesting a consultation, a case manager should ensure that appropriate effort has been made to gather information relevant to a client’s application. This should include seeking advice from a Social Security Scotland practitioner. This is called a case discussion.

A practitioner may advise the need for a consultation following a case discussion when they are not able to provide the information necessary to inform a case manager’s decision.

Case managers should consider if a consultation is needed to: - gather more information to make a determination and - if they have the necessary justifications for a consultation (justifications for a consultation request must be clearly set out in the request issued to the client) (Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018, s.55).