Single Application Form (SAF) out of hours information

Highland cattle in field
Alan Robertson
Friday 10 May 2024 - 09:59

The deadline for submitting the Single Application Form (SAF) application is fast approaching and farmers and crofters are being encouraged to submit their applications before the window closes on Wednesday 15 May.

Applications submitted by the deadline can be amended, added to, or increased, up until 31 May without penalty.

The number of Scottish farmers and crofters who have filled out their application online ahead of the window closing is well ahead of this time last year, but many forms are still to be started and so applicants are encouraged to submit their SAF as early as possible and check that there are no un-submitted applications in draft.

With under a week to go, almost 11,000 forms have already been completed.  That compares with 10,600 at the same time in 2023 and 10,200 in 2022.  Around 18,000 forms are submitted annually in Scotland.

Applicants can check the status of any SAF submitted online by logging into their account on Rural Payments and Services (RP&S), selecting the business they want to check and then the Application tab.

The National Farmers Union Scotland have highlighted the need for farmers to submit their applications before the deadline. 

NFU Scotland Director of Policy Jonnie Hall said:

“The SAF deadline remains one of the most important dates in the Scottish farming calendar. Support payments remain critically important to the viability of most Scottish farming and crofting businesses.  As we negotiate that Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill, that will define our future support arrangements, we have made the importance of that support crystal clear.

“Farmers and crofters must prioritise these annual application forms in the next few days.  The deadline of the 15 May is fast approaching, and we urge all eligible applicants to concentrate on completing their submission now rather than at the last minute.  However, we remind all that the opportunity to amend forms without penalty is there until 31 May.”

If you experience IT issues with Rural Payments and Services (RP&S), please contact your local Area Office at the earliest opportunity within normal working hours.

Outside office hours

Before the application window closes, RP&S IT service desk is available to help applicants resolve any IT-related issues, such as account access and password reset, at the following times:

  • Saturday 4 May 9.00am to 5.00pm
  • Sunday 5 May 9.00am to 5.00pm
  • Monday 6 May 9.00am to 5.00pm
  • Saturday 11 May 9.00am to 5.00pm
  • Sunday 12 May 9.00am to 5.00pm
  • Monday 13 May 5.00pm to 10.00pm
  • Tuesday 14 May 5.00pm to 10.00pm
  • Wednesday 15 May 5.00pm to midnight.

You can contact the IT service desk by email or phone:

The service desk can only provide technical support, for guidance to help you submit your SAF, contact your local Area Office during office hours.

Self-service laptops and bookings for one-to-one support are available in area offices to complete your SAF online by Monday 15 May. Please contact your local Area Office for availability.