Overview
Different benefits have very different procedures you need to follow to dispute their decision.
It is always a good idea to seek independent advice about how best to make your case. In some cases there is a risk of losing a benefit or a part of a benefit if you challenge a decision.
An advice agency will be able to tell you if you have a good case, how to obtain medical or other evidence and may be able to help you explain your case or represent you.
If you need help finding an advice agency, please contact the Disability Information Scotland helpline: 0300 323 9961.
If you are unable to get help with your appeal, Disability Information Scotland can provide a more detailed Guide on how to prepare the best case possible.
You can also search the Scottish Disability Directory to find your local welfare rights service.
Supporting evidence
For disability related benefits, your GP or another professional who supports you such as a support worker, CPN, hospital doctor, physiotherapist or health visitor may be able to provide a letter confirming how your disability affects you.
Further information and useful contacts
Age Scotland has produced a guide that explains how to dispute a range of benefit decisions. You can find the information on their website here M 17 challenge 2023.indd (ageuk.org.uk)
Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance
Provide information on advocacy and a directory to find your local advocacy organisation.
Tel: 0808 800 9060
Information last updated on 31 January 2024. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.
Money, Benefits & Grants:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
Can I get a reduction of Vehicle Excise Duty?
If you are disabled you may be entitled to a reduction or exemption on vehicle tax if you meet the government criteria. The vehicle must be registered in your name or a named driver’s name and must only be used for your personal needs.
You can apply for exemption if you get the:
- higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
- War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
You can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax if you get the Personal Independence Payment standard rate mobility component or Adult Disability Payment standard rate mobility component Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
Am I entitled to benefits?
A benefits check is a calculation that will give you an idea of what you might be entitled to. You can get a check at your local welfare rights project, local Council Money Advice , Citizens Advice Bureau. or a charity like Age Scotland. Age Scotland has a guide to what to expect M 15 ben check 2023.indd (ageuk.org.uk) and an online benefit calculator.
You can also use the Turn2us benefit calculator online.
To find your local welfare rights service search our Scottish Disability Directory. or contact our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
What help is there with energy costs?
Energy costs used to be a worry in winter but now bills can be a challenge all year round.
The good news is there are different grants and schemes available to help people improve the heating in their homes and keep heating costs down. Check out our Help to heat your home guide for more information.
Home Energy Scotland is a free energy advice service funded by the Scottish Government to help people save money and keep their homes warmer. They offer simple energy saving tips, know about funding schemes and can arrange benefits checks to help people access help.
You can call Home Energy Scotland’s free helpline on 0808 808 2282 to check what support you might be entitled to, text WARM to 60163 for a call back or email advice@se.homeenergyscotland.org.
Am I eligible for VAT relief on disability equipment?
In general, disabled people do not have to pay VAT on goods and services that are designed or adapted solely for use by disabled people. These goods and services are often called zero-rated or eligible for VAT relief.
Most suppliers will know if their product has been specifically designed to help disabled people. They will offer their products free of VAT as you buy them.
You’ll need to confirm in writing that you meet the conditions for zero rating. Your supplier may give you a form for this.
Most suppliers will use the Notice 701/7 VAT relief for disabled people form.
For further information see our VAT Exemption for Disabled Goods Information Guide or call our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
Money, Benefits & Grants:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
Organisation | Description |
---|---|
Advice Works (Renfrewshire Council Money and Debt Advice) | Aims: To raise the incomes of people and their families and help people manage their debts. Services provided: Advice Works is a free, confidential and independent service and will give you advice in a straightforward manner. The team can help with a w… |
Advicenow | An independent, not-for-profit website providing information on rights and legal issues for the general public |
Age Scotland | Providing services and promoting a better quality of life to older people |
Age UK Online Shop | Shopping online for aids and equipment with Help the Aged |
Airdrie Citizens Advice Bureau | Aims: To ensure that individuals do not suffer through lack of knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, or of the services available to them, or through an inability to express their need effectively and, equally to exercise a responsible influe… |
ALISS | ALISS is a national digital programme enabling people and professionals to find and share information on resources, services, groups, and support in their local communities and online. ALISS can help you find information about resources like: services… |
Andrew Paton’s Charitable Trust | Charitable trust with an interest in Scotland |
Angus Citizens Advice Bureau – Arbroath | Provide information and advice to people living in the local area |
Angus Citizens Advice Bureau – Montrose | Provide information to people living in the local area |
Angus Foodbank | The Angus Foodbank provides food parcels to people in crisis |