Thousands of unpaid carers in Scotland could receive a new payment worth up to £541 a year for each additional person they care for. The Scottish Government has introduced the Carer Additional Person Payment, providing extra financial support to those who already receive Carer Support Payment and spend at least 20 hours per week caring for an extra individual.
The payment is valued at £10.40 per week, equating to up to £541 annually for each additional person a carer supports. Carers who look after more than two people may qualify for multiple payments.
Approximately 17,000 unpaid carers across Scotland are expected to benefit from this new support. The Scottish Government says it recognises the additional pressures faced by those caring for multiple family members or loved ones.
What Is Carer Support Payment?
Carer Support Payment is the devolved replacement for Carer's Allowance in Scotland. Eligible carers receive £86.45 per week, which amounts to £345.80 every four-week pay period. The payment is available to those providing at least 35 hours of unpaid care per week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit.
Additional Changes to Carer Support
The Carer Additional Person Payment is part of a wider package of measures to strengthen support for carers. Other improvements include extending Carer Support Payment for 12 weeks after the death of the person being cared for, up from the previous eight weeks. The Scottish Carer Supplement will replace the existing Carer's Allowance Supplement and will be paid alongside Carer Support Payment throughout the year.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville highlighted the vital role of unpaid carers, stating: “Unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities, providing vital care and support for those closest to them. Carer Additional Person Payment will go further in recognising the impact caring for multiple people can have on a carer and will make a difference to thousands of families.”
Eligibility for Carer Support Payment
To qualify for Carer Support Payment, you must:
- Be aged 16 or over
- Usually live in Scotland
- Provide care for 35 hours or more per week
- Not earn more than £204 per week after tax, National Insurance, and expenses
The person you care for must receive one of these benefits:
- Adult Disability Payment (daily living component)
- Child Disability Payment (middle or highest rate care component)
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (daily living component)
- Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest rate care component)
- Constant Attendance Allowance (at or above normal maximum rate with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, or at or above the basic full day rate with a War Disablement Pension)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
Care can include supporting someone with mental health, illness, disability, or addiction. It does not include professional care work or volunteering through a charity.
How to Apply
Unpaid carers who believe they may be eligible for the new payment or other carer benefits can contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 or visit the Social Security Scotland website for more information.
