Student carers could be eligible for financial support
This National Student Money Week (2 - 6 March 2026), unpaid carers in education are being encouraged to check if they are entitled to financial help from Social Security Scotland.
This National Student Money Week (2 – 6 March 2026), unpaid carers in education are being encouraged to check if they are entitled to financial help from Social Security Scotland.
There are many unpaid carers attending college or university across Scotland. The type of help they provide includes emotional, mental or physical support for a family member, friend or neighbour. But many don’t recognise themselves as a carer, which could mean they are missing out on extra money.
There are currently three payments delivered by Social Security Scotland that could help student carers during their studies.
Carer Support Payment has replaced Carer’s Allowance in Scotland. Unlike Carer’s Allowance, it is available to more carers in education.
Young Carer Grant and Carer’s Allowance Supplement are only available in Scotland.
Later this month (March) we will introduce improvements to carer benefits including
- Carer Additional Person Payment, a new payment for carers who look after more than one person will be available
- Replacing Carer's Allowance Supplement with Scottish Carer Supplement meaning carers receive extra support more consistently and regularly
- Financial support for carers after the person they look after dies will be extended
- Improved access to support during breaks in care
To find out more about Social Security Scotland payments for carers, visit mygov.scot/carers or call free on 0800 182 2222.
If you are an organisation that supports student carers in Scotland, there are shareable resources, many of which are available in different languages, via our resources pages on our website: