Carer’s Allowance Supplement pays out £36 million in 2019

Over 159,000 Carer’s Allowance Supplement payments were made in June and December last year.

Eligible carers in Scotland received an additional £452 across the two automatic payments, giving a total expenditure of £36 million. Alongside Carer’s Allowance this was an investment of £313 million in carers benefits.

The latest Carer’s Allowance Supplement statistics were published today, and show over two thirds of payments were made to female carers and more than 40 per cent of payments were made to people over 50.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“I am proud that we have supported nearly 100,000 carers through the Carer’s Allowance Supplement since it was introduced in 2018. Carers make an invaluable contribution to society, and it’s important that we recognise their vital role.

“As part of the Budget, we announced that we will uprate the payment in line with inflation – meaning Carer’s Allowance Supplement over the next year will be £460.20 - that’s financial support to carers over and above those outside Scotland.”

Social Security Scotland Chief Executive, David Wallace, said:

“Two payments of Carer’s Allowance Supplement are made each year. It is paid automatically so if you are living in Scotland and receiving Carer’s Allowance on the relevant qualifying date then you don’t need to do anything. You will receive two lump sum payments throughout the year – one in June and one in December. Social Security Scotland will write to you to let you know when to expect your payment.”

Carer’s Allowance Supplement will be uprated from 2020/21 to £230.10 (bi-annual rate). The two qualifying dates in 2020 will be 13 April and 12 October.

The full Carer’s Allowance Supplement statistics can be viewed on the Scottish Government website.

Information for stakeholders on Carer's Allowance Supplement can be found on our website.