Second carers payment date set

The next payment of the Carer's Allowance Supplement will be made to the majority of carers on 14 December.

This will be the second payment of the supplement, paid twice a year, by Social Security Scotland

Carers will get two supplementary payments totalling £442 per year, equivalent of an extra £8.50 per week, which is a 13% increase on the Carer’s Allowance from the UK Government.

As she met a group of carers at the Vocal Centre in Edinburgh, Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“It was inspiring to meet local carers in Edinburgh to hear about the ups and downs they face in their daily lives. We want to make sure their contribution is recognised, which is why we introduced this new supplement, putting an extra £442 in carers pockets this financial year.”

Shona Moyes, 56, is a carer to her 16 year old son Gregor who has complex physical and learning disabilities. She said:

““I was forced to give up a well-paid job to care for my son. This has been both physically and emotionally demanding and has had a huge impact on the financial wellbeing of my family.

“For the Scottish Government to recognise this and increase Carer’s Allowance is great news for me and all carers. And to introduce the Carer’s Allowance Supplement and implement it quickly is most welcome.”