Student carers urged not to miss out on vital financial support

As thousands of students begin their college or university studies, those with caring roles are being urged to check they’re getting all the financial help they’re entitled to.

Around 30,000 unpaid carers are currently studying at Scottish colleges and universities, according to Carers Trust Scotland. These students face unique challenges, providing emotional, mental or physical support to family members, friends or neighbours whilst juggling lectures, coursework and student life.

However, support is available. Social Security Scotland delivers three payments that could make a real difference to student carers across Scotland.

Carer Support Payment provides £83.30 per week and is available to many students in education, including those studying full-time.

Carer's Allowance Supplement provides additional support in Scotland for those who receive Carer Support Payment.

Young Carer Grant offers an annual payment of £390.25 to carers aged 16 -18 years.

Eligibility depends on factors including the number of hours spent caring, the type of course being studied, and whether the person being cared for receives a disability benefit.

Research shows that student carers are four times more likely to drop out of their studies than other students. Financial difficulties are cited as being a major contributing factor alongside time constraints. That’s where payments for carers can help ease some of the pressures faced.

Paul Traynor, Head of External Affairs, Carers Trust Scotland said: “Student carers face enormous pressures balancing their studies with their unpaid caring responsibilities and too often this can put their education at risk.

“Financial support such as Carer Support Payment and the Young Carer Grant can make a real difference, helping to ease some of the financial strain and allowing unpaid carers to focus on their studies as well as their caring role. We would urge all student carers to check what support they are entitled to, so they don’t miss out.”

Resources are available on our website to share via your communications channels and networks to help spread the word about the support available to student carers.

To find out more on the financial support available as well as wider support for carers visit mygov.scot/carers