Style guide
Warning
Recent updates
26 February 2026
- update to abbreviations and acronyms, spell out all Social Security Scotland benefits
- update to ages, use numerals
- update to brackets, do not use
- update to commas, use only for clarity
- update to consultation, use consultation not assessment
- update to contractions, only use simple positive ones
- update to dependant, someone who relies on another for support
- update to hyphens, use only when needed for clarity
- update to next of kin, use appropriate person instead
Use the Social Security Scotland style guide as your first point of reference.
To find what you need, you can:
- use the A-Z to for an alphabetised list of all the entries
- choose a section and browse the entries
- choose a section and search for something specific by using Ctrl+f (PC) or ⌘+f (Mac)
If you cannot find the entry you’re looking for, check the GOV.UK style guide.
This is a guide, not a set of rules. However, the advice in this guide is based on evidence and content design expertise. You should read the advice and use your own judgement.
Ask for an update
Fill in the style guide request formIf you cannot find the entry you’re looking for in this style guide or the GOV.UK guide, you can request an addition to the style guide.
To request a change:
- fill in the style guide request form above
- if you cannot access the form, email: contentdesign@socialsecurity.gov.scot
Include examples of what you're trying to do and any relevant evidence.