Unpaid carers across Lanarkshire are being encouraged to apply for a new benefit as it becomes available to more people.
National advice agency Advice Direct Scotland is urging carers to prepare for the switch to the Carer Support Payment, which is gradually replacing Carer’s Allowance as part of a phased nationwide rollout.
From Monday, November 4, residents in 19 additional local authority areas, including the two largest cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, will be able to apply in the final stage of the benefit’s introduction.
Administered by Social Security Scotland, the new benefit is worth £81.90 per week, or £327.60 every four weeks, for those providing 35 hours of care to a family member, friend, or neighbour.
The Carer Support Payment was first introduced in Perth & Kinross, Dundee, and Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles) in November last year, before being extended to Angus, North Lanarkshire, and South Lanarkshire.
Conor Forbes, policy director at Advice Direct Scotland, said: “Unpaid carers make a vital contribution to our communities, and it’s important they don’t miss out on the financial support they’re entitled to.
“Often, people don’t see themselves as carers because they view their role as just helping a family member or friend, not realising that these tasks are part of formal caregiving.
“Others may have gradually taken on a caring role as the person they support’s condition has slowly worsened.
“We urge anyone who might be eligible to check if they can apply, including full-time students who are not eligible for Carer’s Allowance.
“Help is available for anyone who feels worried or confused. At Advice Direct Scotland, we offer a wide range of free services to everyone in Scotland, regardless of personal circumstances.”
Advice Direct Scotland is reminding those already receiving Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that they will not be affected by the rollout. Current Carer’s Allowance awards will be gradually transferred to Social Security Scotland.
The DWP will continue to issue Carer’s Allowance until the transition is complete, with no interruption in payments. The amount recipients currently receive will remain the same.
Social Security Scotland will notify people in advance about the transfer of their awards.
The full transition from the DWP to Social Security Scotland is expected to be completed by spring 2025.
The new Carer Support Payment will also offer the option to receive payments on a weekly basis, rather than every four weeks.
Carers can check their eligibility and apply for the Carer Support Payment at https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment.
The advice.scot team can be reached at 0808 800 9060, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, or through their website at www.advice.scot.
Additionally, Advice Direct Scotland provides an online benefits calculator to help people assess their entitlement to both devolved and reserved benefits.
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