Young Carer Grant turns 3

As Young Carer Grant turns 3, we urge young people with a caring responsibility to apply for a yearly payment of £326.65.

By 31 July 2022, we had authorised 6,900 Young Carer Grant applications since its launch. With over £2 million in vital support provided directly to young people from the Scottish Government.

The payment is available for 16, 17 and 18 year-olds who spend an average of 16 hours caring for a person or people who receive a disability benefit. Young carers can apply if they are at school, in further education, employed or unemployed. People can apply once a year as long as they remain eligible. The payment is a £326.65 cash benefit and people can spend it however they choose.

The Scottish Government introduced this payment, which is unique to Scotland, in October 2019, to help young people with caring responsibilities. It is one part of a wider package of support available to young carers funded by the Scottish Government.

Speaking at the Young Carers Festival this summer, one young carer told us about their experience of receiving the grant: “'It had a positive impact because I needed new clothes so I ended up spending about £100 for new clothes, then I shared it with my brother and sister.”

If you have young carers within your network, we would kindly ask that you share this information with them and details of how to apply.