Carer’s Allowance Supplement pays £22.8 million to carers in June

New statistics show more than 84,000 people received Carer’s Allowance Supplement in June this year.

The benefit, available only in Scotland, is paid twice a year to those who are receiving Carer's Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions on key eligibility dates.

In the latest round of payments a total of £22.8 million was distributed to carers by Social Security Scotland.

The extra payment was introduced to recognise the contribution of unpaid carers.

Since launching in 2018, a total of 920,970 payments have been paid to 148,515 carers, totalling £255.4 million.

Carers do not need to apply for Carer’s Allowance Supplement as it is paid automatically.

Social Security Scotland writes to eligible carers in advance so they know when to expect a payment.

The next eligibility date for Carer’s Allowance Supplement this year is 9 October and payments will be made after this date.