Benefit payments are increasing

Carer’s Allowance Supplement, Young Carer Grant and Funeral Support Payment are increasing.

The new ‘uprated’ figures were announced during the Scottish Budget on 6 February 2020.

Carer’s Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant are increasing in line with inflation while Funeral Support Payment will increase further.

What this means for Carer’s Allowance Supplement

From 6 April 2020, Carer’s Allowance Supplement will increase from £8.70 to £8.85 per week, which means a payment of £230.10 twice a year – one in June and one in December.

The Carer’s Allowance Supplement qualifying dates for these payments are Monday 13 April 2020 and Monday 12 October 2020.

Exact payment dates will be announced nearer the time and we will write to carers who are due to get a payment.

What this means for Young Carer Grant

From 1 April 2020, Young Carer Grant will increase from £300.00 to £305.10.

What this means for Funeral Support Payment

Most parts of Funeral Support Payment will increase in line with inflation, but the flat rate of Funeral Support Payment (e.g. funeral director costs, coffin etc.) will increase from £700 to £1,000 (higher than the inflation-adjusted level of £711.90).

The £120.00 element of the Funeral Support Payment for those with a funeral plan will increase to £122.05.

The £20.00 element for the removal of an implantable medical device will increase to £20.35.

Only applications submitted from 1 April 2020 onwards will be eligible for the increased amount.


How to apply

For more information and to apply, please visit mygov.scot.