Young carers can apply for financial support
Marking Young Carer’s Action Day, Scotland’s carers are being urged to check if they can access financial support
Young people who provide help to someone who is in receipt of a disability benefit are encouraged to check if they are eligible and apply.
Young Carer Grant is more than £380 and available to young people in Scotland who are
- aged 16, 17 or 18
- look after someone who receives a disability benefit
- provide this care for an average of 16 hours a week
It can be applied for annually and spent on anything the young person chooses.
Young carers who spend more hours caring may be eligible for Carer Support Payment. It has replaced Carer's Allowance in Scotland. People can apply if
- they spend 35 hours a week or more caring
- the person they care for receives a qualifying disability benefit
- they earn less than £151 per week (after tax, National Insurance and other expenses)
Carer Support Payment also gives people access to Carer's Allowance Supplement. This is an extra payment of over £280, currently paid twice a year.
Young people often don’t realise that what they are doing is caring – it is just part of their day-to-day life. Zoe cares for her mum who has Multiple Sclerosis (MS) She received Young Carer Grant every year between the ages of 16 and 18 and says the money has made a significant difference to her life. Zoe said:
“I help out a lot around the house, cooking dinner, and helping Mum with whatever she needs at home.
“The money really helped out and I was able to buy a car with the help of this money. I can now get about much more easily as well as take my mum out or pick up shopping.”
Unpaid carers who think they might be eligible for financial support can apply by visiting mygov.scot/carers or calling 0800 182 2222.