Sharon Cyrus
Unpaid carers in Scotland are encouraged to explore their eligibility for additional financial aid through Carer Support Payment, Carer’s Allowance Supplement, and Young Carer Grant.
These initiatives are designed to help ease the financial burden on those providing unpaid care to family members, friends, or neighbors.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement: Financial Relief for Carers
The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is a unique benefit available only in Scotland, introduced by Social Security Scotland in 2018. It provides additional financial support to carers, acknowledging their essential role in society.
Payment Schedule and Amounts
The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid twice annually, with the first payment of £293.50 issued in June to over 90,000 carers. The second payment is due before Christmas.
Over the course of the 2025/26 financial year, eligible carers could receive a total of £4,475 through both supplements and Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance.
Eligibility Criteria
The £293.50 Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid to carers receiving either Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance.
It’s important to note that carers who received these payments on October 13, 2025, will be eligible for the December payment.
Automatic Payments
Carers don’t need to apply for this supplementary payment. It is paid automatically to eligible individuals, and Social Security Scotland will send a letter before the payment is issued, though this may arrive after the funds have been deposited into accounts.
Carer Support Payment: Support for Unpaid Carers in Scotland
The Carer Support Payment is the Scottish equivalent of the Carer’s Allowance available elsewhere in the UK. It provides financial relief for those who care for someone for 35 hours or more per week.
How Much Will You Receive?
Carer Support Payment is worth £83.30 per week, which adds up to £333.20 every four weeks. This amount is available to those who provide unpaid care to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit.
Eligibility for Carer Support Payment
To qualify for Carer Support Payment, carers must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Must be 16 or older.
- Residency: Must usually live in Scotland.
- Care Hours: Must provide 35 hours or more of care per week.
- Income: Carers cannot earn more than £196 per week after tax and expenses.
The individual being cared for must be receiving one of the following 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)
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest rate care component)
- Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest rate care component)
- Constant Attendance Allowance with certain other benefits
Types of Care Eligible for Payment
To qualify for Carer Support Payment, the care provided must meet the following criteria:
- Care must be unpaid.
- It must not be provided as a professional carer or through a charity/volunteering scheme.
Examples of care provided include:
- Mental Health Support: Comforting someone during a panic attack, staying close during a crisis, and ensuring safety.
- Illness or Disability Support: Assisting with mobility, dressing, medication, personal hygiene, meal preparation, or grocery shopping.
Carers may be eligible even if they don’t consider themselves “professional” carers.
Minister’s Message on Support for Carers
Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart, highlighted that Scotland’s approach to social security is centered on dignity, fairness, and respect.
She emphasized the importance of providing Carer’s Allowance Supplement, Young Carer Grant, and the Carer Support Payment to improve the lives of unpaid carers, particularly those who care for multiple individuals. The Scottish government is also expanding eligibility and looking into further improvements.
Encouragement to Apply
Stewart encouraged all unpaid carers to check their eligibility for financial support. “Social security is a public service that anyone may need at any point in their life,” she said.
Carers in Scotland who provide essential support to their loved ones can benefit from various financial support programs such as the Carer Support Payment and Carer’s Allowance Supplement.
These payments aim to ease the financial burden on those who dedicate their time to caring for others. With automatic payments and no need for separate applications, eligible carers can access financial relief without additional hassle.
FAQs
What is the Carer’s Allowance Supplement?
The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is a biannual payment of £293.50 paid to carers receiving Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance. It’s designed to provide extra support for unpaid carers in Scotland.
How do I know if I qualify for Carer Support Payment?
You qualify for Carer Support Payment if you are aged 16 or older, live in Scotland, provide 35 hours of care per week, and meet the income threshold of £196. The person you care for must receive a qualifying disability benefit.
Do I need to apply for Carer’s Allowance Supplement?
No, you don’t need to apply for the Carer’s Allowance Supplement. The payment is made automatically to all eligible individuals based on their entitlement to Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance.