Today (November 21) marks ‘Carers Rights Day’ and unpaid carers across the country are being encouraged to check their eligibility for financial support from Social Security Scotland.The Scottish Government estimates that there are around 800,000 unpaid carers, including 30,000 under the age of 18, providing care for a family member, friend or neighbour across Scotland.
Research also suggests that many do not see themselves as a carer, meaning they do not take up support they are entitled to. There are three payments delivered by Social Security Scotland dedicated to supporting unpaid carers.
Carer Support Payment
Carer Support Payment is replacing Carer’s Allowance in Scotland and is now available for new applications Scotland-wide. The benefit is available to people providing care for 35 hours or more a week, earning a maximum weekly income of £151 after tax, National Insurance and expenses, to someone who receives disability benefits.
Carer Support Payment is a payment of £81.90 per week (£327.60 each month) and is also available to some carers in education. This includes full-time students aged 20 or over and students under 20 in advanced or higher education.
Students aged 16-19 in non-advanced education such as studying for National Certificates, Highers and Advanced Highers, may also be eligible.
Carers in Scotland who are already receiving Carer’s Allowance don’t need to apply for Carer Support Payment, their benefits will be automatically transferred by next Spring.
Young Carer Grant
Young Carer Grant is an annual payment of £383.75 and is available for carers aged 16, 17 or 18 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving certain benefits. The money can be spent on whatever the young person wants.
There has been a 26 per cent increase in Young Carer Grant applications from those aged 16-18 in the 12 months to September 2024 compared to the same period the previous year. The payment is only available to those living in Scotland.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement
Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an automatic payment made twice a year to unpaid carers receiving Carer Support Payment from Social Security Scotland or Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The next payment of £288.60 will be paid on Friday, December 6 for those who were paid Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on October 7, 2024. The Scottish Government has committed to replace six monthly lump sum Carer’s Allowance Supplement payments with more regular payments alongside Carer Support Payment once case transfer is complete.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government has supported around 164,000 unpaid carers through social security payments since 2018. We understand their important role and that many may be juggling caring with work, study or family commitments.
“That is why we’ve been working closely with carers and organisations that represent them, to develop a better social security system in Scotland. This includes improving the application process and providing two payments that are only available for carers here in Scotland.
“This Carers Rights Day, I urge everyone who carries out a caring role to find out more about the financial help available. And if you know an unpaid carer, whether a student, work colleague, friend or even someone caring for you, let them know support is available.”
A full guide to all the help available for unpaid carers in Scotland can be found on the mygov.scot website here.