During the summer holidays, Lanarkshire carers are being reminded they no longer need to have provided care for a set period before they can receive support during a temporary break.
Carers can take a temporary break from their caring role - for a holiday, a hospital stay, or other reasons - and continue to receive their carer benefits during that time, regardless of how long they’ve been in a caring role.
Carer Support Payment details
Carer Support Payment, delivered by Social Security Scotland, can continue for up to four weeks during a temporary break from caring for any reason, and up to 12 weeks if a hospital stay is involved - or a combination of hospital and other reasons - within any six-month period.
This makes financial support more stable and removes barriers to taking a well-earned rest.
Extended support for other circumstances
The improvements, introduced in March this year, also extend support in other circumstances. Carers in Scotland now receive up to 12 weeks of continued support if the person they are caring for passes away - an additional four weeks - giving more time to adjust at a difficult period.
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: "Carers across Scotland deserve to take a break without worrying about their finances. The improvements we have introduced to social security support mean carers now have more stability when they need a break or when their circumstances change. Scotland is leading the way in supporting unpaid carers, and I want to make sure every carer who is entitled to this support is receiving it. I’d urge all carers in Lanarkshire to find out about the help that’s available to them."
These improvements are unique to Scotland and part of a broader package of support that includes Scottish Carer Supplement and Carer Additional Person Payment for those caring for more than one person.
How carers can update their details
Carers should let Social Security Scotland know about changes to their caring hours and responsibilities, including temporary stops in care online or by phone. Keeping details up to date ensures carers get the right amount of support.
