Help us reach Scotland's unpaid carers

Over 38,000 carers across Scotland are receiving financial help through Carer Support Payment, but many more may be eligible.

According to Carers Trust Scotland there are around 800,000 unpaid carers in Scotland. This includes 30,000 carers under the age of 18.

Many people don’t even know they are a carer. They may feel they’re simply providing the support someone naturally would. This also means they could be missing out on extra support they’re entitled to.

That’s why we’re raising awareness of Carer Support Payment to help unpaid carers recognise themselves as one, and to check if they’re eligible for financial help.

The nation-wide campaign launching today (24 February) has been developed in collaboration with Carers Trust Scotland and individual carers, who wanted to see a range of people and situations represented.

Paul Traynor, Head of External Affairs at Carers Trust Scotland, said: “One in three of us will become an unpaid carer at some point in our life and one in 10 of us already fulfil some sort of caring role.

“Anyone can become an unpaid carer, at any time of their life, and often the person doesn’t have a choice about it. Many people don’t see themselves as an unpaid carer until someone else tells them – or the person they support mentions it.

“We would encourage everyone who thinks they may be eligible for Carer Support Payment to apply for it.”

To be eligible for Carer Support Payment, a payment of £81.90 a week, carers need to be 16 or over and provide unpaid care for 35 hours or more a week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit. The carer also needs to earn less than £151 per week after tax, National Insurance and expenses.

If you know an unpaid carer, or your role is to support unpaid carers, please share our resources and encourage them to check if they’re eligible for financial support.

You can download shareable resources from our website at Social Security Scotland - Carer Support Payment Resources These include a range of resources in various languages which stakeholders can use.

More information about Carer Support Payment can be found at Carer Support Payment - mygov.scot or by calling free on 0800 182 2222.