Scottish social security tribunal chamber comes into being

The Social Security Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland has been established from today. The chamber will hear appeals from decisions by Social Security Scotland (SSS), an executive agency of Scottish Government, about devolved social security benefits.

Best Start Grant pregnancy and baby payment will be the first appealable Scottish benefit to be introduced by Social Security Scotland. The agency will be responsible for 11 devolved benefits, and for those where an independent appeal is available, applications will be made to the Social Security Chamber.

Mrs Anne Scott will be assigned as the Temporary President of the new Chamber. Mrs Scott is currently the President of the Tax Chamber, a role she will continue to perform. A new website, www.socialsecuritychamber.scot will be launched on 10 December to coincide with the launch of applications for Best Start Grant pregnancy and baby payment, to provide information and assistance for anyone considering making an appeal.

In general, those claiming entitlement to a grant must first seek a redetermination by Social Security Scotland but if dissatisfied with its decision, they may be able to appeal to the Social Security Chamber.

Administration of the new chamber will be based in the Glasgow Tribunals Centre, but the intention is that hearings, where possible, will be available locally to the person appealing the benefit decision.

For people currently applying for the equivalent grant from DWP, arrangements for appeals will continue as at present until Social Security Scotland begins administering the benefit. During the transition, if a person has made an appeal in relation to a DWP decision, this appeal will continue to be managed by HMCTS.

Contact details are: First-tier Tribunal for Scotland, Social Security Chamber, Glasgow Tribunals Centre, 20 York Place, Glasgow G2 8GT (e: sscadmin@scotcourtstribunals.gov.uk; t: 0141 302 5858). The chamber adds to the already established Housing and Property Chamber, Tax Chamber, General Regulatory Chamber and Health & Education Chamber of the Scottish Tribunals.