Over 75,000 carers receive new payment

More than 75,000 carers have received the Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

Carers are getting an additional payment of £442 this financial year, in two payments of £221, equivalent of an extra £8.50 per week and an increase of 13% on the current Carer’s Allowance.

Speaking on a visit to South West Glasgow Carers Centre, Social Security Secretary, Shirley–Anne Somerville said:

“It was inspiring to meet the carers from Glasgow South West Carers Centre and hear their own personal stories and experiences. Carers make a vital contribution to society, which this payment recognises, putting an extra £442 in their pockets this financial year. When we take over the devolution of Carer's Allowance, we will continue this increased rate which will also rise annually in line with inflation.

“This investment of over £30m a year addresses the unfairness that Carer’s Allowance is the lowest of the working age benefits. Bringing it into line with Jobseeker’s Allowance was one of the first commitments we made in light of our new social security powers.”

Collette McAlpine (32), a user of the Glasgow South West Carers Centre, said:

“I’m a full time carer, to both my husband and son, who’s 14. My son has Aspergers, and after my husband had an accident five years ago, I needed to stop working to care for them both full time. The extra money will ease the financial burden and provide a real cash boost for our family.”

The next payment of the supplement will be made in December.