Unpaid carers in Scotland are being reminded they can continue receiving Carer Support Payments while taking a temporary break from their caring responsibilities, including for a summer holiday, hospital stay or other reasons.
Social Security Scotland is highlighting the support during the school summer holidays to remind carers they do not have to stop receiving the benefit simply because they take a short break from caring. The devolved benefits agency said changes introduced in March mean carers no longer need to have provided care for a set period before they can continue receiving financial support during a temporary break.
Rules for temporary breaks
Under the current rules, Carer Support Payment can continue for up to four weeks during a temporary break from caring for any reason within a six-month period. Support can continue for up to 12 weeks if the break involves a hospital stay, or a combination of a hospital stay and other reasons, within the same six-month period.
Social Security Scotland said the changes were designed to provide more stable financial support and remove barriers preventing carers from taking a well-earned break.
Additional support for carers
The improvements also mean carers can continue receiving Carer Support Payment for up to 12 weeks if the person they care for dies, giving them an additional four weeks of financial support while they adjust to the change in circumstances.
Social Security Scotland said these improvements are unique to Scotland and form part of a wider package of support for unpaid carers, which also includes the Scottish Carer Supplement and Carer Additional Person Payment for people caring for more than one person.
Reporting changes
Social Security Scotland is reminding carers that they should continue to report any changes to their caring responsibilities, including temporary breaks in providing care, either online or by phone. Keeping their details up to date will help ensure they receive the correct amount of financial support and avoid any unnecessary delays or overpayments.
Carers can take temporary breaks for a range of reasons, including holidays, respite care, hospital stays or other short interruptions to their usual caring arrangements.
Anyone receiving Carer Support Payment who is unsure how a temporary break could affect their benefit can find more information or report a change in circumstances through Social Security Scotland or on MYGOV.SCOT.
Carer Support Payment in a nutshell
Carer Support Payment has replaced Carer's Allowance for most people living in Scotland. The benefit is worth £86.45 a week, equivalent to £345.80 every four-week payment period - £4,495 a year. It is available to people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit.
To qualify, carers must usually earn less than £204 a week after deductions for tax, National Insurance and certain expenses. Unlike Carer's Allowance, delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Carer Support Payment is also available to some people in education, allowing more carers to access support while studying.
Full details about Carer Support Payment can be found on MYGOV.SCOT.
