Thousands of carers’ benefits transferred

Around 118,000 unpaid carers who were receiving Carer’s Allowance have had their benefit awards safely and securely transferred to Social Security Scotland’s Carer Support Payment.

Carer Support Payment began rolling out across Scotland in November 2023 to replace Carer’s Allowance delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Since the formation of Social Security Scotland in 2018, the Scottish Government has delivered more financial support for unpaid carers in Scotland under a very different social security system, rooted in dignity, fairness and respect.

Carer’s Allowance Supplement provides up to £587 a year while Young Carer Grant offers over £390 each year to carers aged 16-18 years. These payments are only available in Scotland.

Carer Support Payment has also been extended to enable more carers in full time education to access the payment.

Further improvements to carer benefits in Scotland are planned within the next six months. This includes extension of Young Carer Grant to 19-year-olds and a new payment worth up to £520 a year for carers who are caring for more than one person.

Extending eligibility for financial support following the death of the cared-for person from 8 to 12 weeks is also amongst the plans.

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“We are supporting over 126,000 unpaid carers in Scotland through devolved carer benefits, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to improving social security, under a kinder system that treats people with dignity and respect.

“It was always our intention that once carers’ benefits had successfully transferred to Carer Support Payment, we’d deliver even more changes to help make a difference to carers’ lives.

“Unpaid carers make a huge contribution within our communities and I’m proud to be able to improve the financial support available to them in Scotland.”

To find out more on the social security support for unpaid carers visit mygov.scot/carers

Information on other support, such as financial support, wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found at Help if you're a carer - mygov.scot

You can access shareable resources on the support available to Scotland’s carers at Social Security Scotland