Young Carer Grant celebrates its first birthday!

Young carers are being encouraged to check if they are entitled to further awards as the Young Carer Grant marks it’s first birthday.

The Young Carer Grant is a £305.10 payment available on an annual basis for 16, 17 and 18 year olds who spend an average of 16 hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit.

Those who have already had a payment are able to apply again if a year has passed since they received their money.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“Young carers play a vital role in the lives of many people across Scotland and I am glad we can use our social security powers to provide them with the extra support that they deserve.

“Covid-19 is having an impact on all of our lives but those who provide care will be finding themselves facing even more pressure.

“This money is for young carers to look after themselves in recognition of the care they give to others. They can spend it on whatever they want training or driving lessons, clothes or a subscription to a music or video streaming service.

“As we approach the time where many young carers will once again become eligible for the payment, I strongly encourage them to re-apply if they still meet all the eligibly criteria and for new young carers to apply for the first time”.

Up to 31 July 2020, Social Security Scotland had paid out a total of £490,052 to 1,710 young carers across Scotland.

Background:

• Young carers can combine the hours they spend caring for up to three eligible people in order to reach the 16 hours a week requirement.
• When completing their first application, young carers could ask if they would like a reminder to reapply a year later.
• Young people who provide help with cooking, shopping and other day to day tasks to someone who is in receipt of a disability benefit are encouraged to check if they are eligible and apply.
• Eligible Young Carers can apply online at mygov.scot/benefits or by calling 0800 128 2222.
• The person or people the young person is caring for must have received one or more of the following benefits for at least the last three months:
  • the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
    
  • the middle or highest care rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) including Child Disability Living Allowance
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • Constant Attendance Allowance - either: Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (at or above the normal maximum rate), or War Disablement Pension (at the basic rate)