Thousands of people claiming Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment in Scotland will receive a bonus of £293.50 later this year. The payment, known as the Carer's Allowance Supplement, is issued twice annually, with the second instalment due in December 2025.
Eligible recipients do not need to apply; the payment will be automatically deposited into their bank accounts after they receive a letter from Social Security Scotland. To qualify, individuals must be receiving either Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment, both of which are worth £83.30 per week.
Carer's Allowance is available to those providing at least 35 hours of care per week, including help with tasks such as washing, managing bills, or attending medical appointments. The person being cared for must also be in receipt of certain benefits, such as Attendance Allowance or the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment.
Applicants must be aged 16 or over, not in full-time education, and not studying for 21 hours or more per week. There is an earnings limit of £196 per week; exceeding this by even £1 results in loss of entitlement. Only one person can claim Carer's Allowance per individual being cared for, and claimants should be aware that it may affect the benefits of the person they care for.
