Five years of supporting young carers
Young Carer Grant provides £4.8 million to unpaid carers across Scotland
Young Carer Grant, a payment introduced to recognise the significant role and dedication of the nation’s young carers, has turned five years old.
The payment has provided over £4.8 million of financial support to over 14,000 carers age 16 -18 across Scotland, since it launched in 2019.
Over the 12 months to September 2024, the number of applications received from young carers increased by 26% compared to the previous 12 months to September 2023. In addition, £547,000 more in payments were made over the same period.
On marking the five-year milestone, Social Security Scotland is urging more young carers to check if they are eligible.
Young Carer Grant is available to anyone aged 16 - 18 who spends at least 16 hours a week caring for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit.
Young carers can be a lifeline for family members or friends who have disabilities or long-term health conditions. Support they provide includes making meals, helping with housework, reminding them to take medication or providing emotional support.
Research has also shown that some people don’t recognise themselves as a carer and feel they are just doing what is expected or what naturally falls to them. It’s important that they know they are playing an important role and financial support is available.
Young Carer Grant is a payment of £380, available only in Scotland, and can be applied for once a year and spent on whatever the young person wants.
It was designed to support carers who are unable to enjoy some of the things a typical teenager does without the same caring responsibilities. This grant helps ease some of the pressures young carers face.
If you work with carers or know a friend or family member who is caring for someone, help us spread the word by sharing information on the support available.
Background
Young Carer Grant is a yearly payment of £383.75 for young carers in Scotland. People can apply for Young Carer Grant online, via a paper application form or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.
The latest Young Carer Grant statistics were published on 12 November 2024. Social Security Scotland - Young Carer Grant: high level statistics to 30 September 2024
Some young carers may also be eligible for Carer Support Payment. To be eligible for Carer Support Payment carers must spend 35 or more hours a week looking after someone who gets certain disability benefits. Carer Support Payment is available across Scotland. Eligible people can get £81.90 a week and is also available to eligible unpaid carers in education.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an automatic payment made twice a year to unpaid carers receiving Carer’s Allowance from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) or Carer Support Payment from Social Security Scotland.
Information on other support for carers is available at Help if you're a carer - mygov.scot
Resources that you can share within your networks and communication channels are available via Social Security Scotland’s website. Links are below: