What happens if you are refused a Scottish Welfare Fund grant or do not qualify
If you are unhappy with the outcome of your Scottish Welfare Fund application, you can ask for the decision to be looked at again. This is called a review.
You need to apply for a review within 20 days of receiving the decision about your Scottish Welfare Fund application. The time limit of 20 days can be extended if you can show you had good reasons for not applying within the 20 day time limit.
If you would like to request a review, you can write to:
Scottish Welfare Fund Team, East Lothian Council, PO Box 13261, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 3YA
You can also email scottishwelfarefund@eastlothian.gov.uk using a recognisable email address.
Your request should be in writing and should give:
- the date and reference number from your decision letter.
- the reasons why you do not think the right decision was made on the application. For example, this might be because you do not think we took all the relevant information into account, because you do not agree with the award that has been made or because you don't agree that you are not eligible for the Scottish Welfare Fund.
- information which you did not give us when you filled in your application but which you think might make a difference to our decision. Please phone us to find out more about this if you are not sure.
- information on any changes to your circumstances since the application which might make a difference to our decision.
- your signature. If someone is making a review request for you, you must sign the letter giving your agreement for the review to proceed.
Frequently asked questions
How long should it take me to complete my first tier review?
We aim to deal with Community Care Grant reviews within 15 working days and Crisis Grant reviews within 2 working days. We will notify you in writing of the decision. This should include an explanation of the decision and information about what you can do if you are not happy with the review decision.
The first tier review made the same decision as the original decision. Is that it?
If you still disagree with our decision, you can ask the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) to look at your case.
Ask the SPSO for a review online
You can also call 0800 014 7299 to request a review.
You must normally do this within one month of the first review decision date.