£1.4 million worth of Young Carer Grant paid out since launch of benefit

More than 4500 payments have been made to young carers across Scotland since the benefit launched in October 2019.

Figures released today reveal a total of £1.4 million in Young Carer Grant payments have been made up to 31 October 2021.

Applications were received from young people living in all local authorities. The highest number of applications were from Glasgow City, which accounts for 15% of all applications received to the end of October 2021. The next highest areas were from North Lanarkshire, Fife and South Lanarkshire.

The first benefit of its kind in the UK, Young Carer Grant is a payment that can be applied for once a year by young carers aged 16, 17, and 18 who care for someone who is normally paid a qualifying disability benefit.

The payment is a flat rate of £308.15 and acknowledges the young person’s carer role helping them take part in opportunities that are the norm for many other young people.

Carers can decide how to spend the money, for example, on new clothes, a music or TV streaming service or anything else that helps them take a break from their day to day caring responsibilities.

Young carers who previously received the grant and still meet the eligibility criteria can re-apply 12 months from the date of their previous successful application.

To check eligibility and apply visit mygov.scot or call free on 0800 182 2222.