Carers across West Lothian are being urged to find out more about the financial support available to them this Carers Week, running from 8 to 14 June. The annual campaign highlights the challenges that unpaid carers can face and encourages people who might not see themselves as carers to access support, whether emotional, social, or financial.
Following a number of improvements earlier this year, Social Security Scotland now delivers four different payments for carers. These include the Scottish Carer Supplement, the Young Carer Grant, and the new Carer Additional Person Payment, providing extra money only available in Scotland.
As of March this year, 5,140 carers in West Lothian were receiving the Carer Support Payment, and many more could be entitled to help. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Carers Week is a great opportunity to recognise the importance of unpaid carers in our communities. Our recently improved package of support, which is unique to Scotland, recognises the vital role that carers play in our society. As a result, Scotland’s carers receive greater support than carers anywhere else in the UK. I would urge anyone who cares for someone to find out more about the support available from Social Security Scotland and in their local area.”
