Carer’s Allowance awards start moving to Carer Support Payment in Scotland

Work to transfer the awards of people in Scotland from Carer’s Allowance to Carer Support Payment has begun.

Carer's Allowance, paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is being replaced by Carer Support Payment paid by Social Security Scotland.

The transfer from Carer's Allowance to Carer Support Payment will happen gradually with all awards expected to be transferred by Spring 2025.

People do not need to do anything as their award will transfer automatically. The amount they receive will not change. Both the DWP and Social Security Scotland will write to people in advance to let them know that their award will be transferring. Carers should continue to report any changes in their circumstances to the DWP until they receive a letter from Social Security Scotland telling them their award has transferred.

Carer Support Payment provides £81.90 a week to eligible carers. The benefit is available to new applicants in Dundee City, Perth and Kinross and the Western Isles.

Carers who live outside of those areas can apply for Carer's Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Carer Support Payment will be available in more areas from later in 2024 and across Scotland by Autumn 2024. More information is available at mygov.scot/carer-support-payment