Increased support for carers

People who care for more than one disabled person may be eligible for a new Scotland-only payment.  

Carer Additional Person Payment, worth up to £520 a year, will be available from March 2026. 

Carers may be eligible for more than one Carer Additional Person Payment if they are caring for more than one additional person.  

This is the latest in a series of improvements being made to support for carers from Social Security Scotland, which will come into effect in March. The time Carer Support Payment is paid following the death of the cared-for person will also be extended from 8 to 12 weeks, while Carer's Allowance Supplement will be replaced by Scottish Carer Supplement which will be paid alongside Carer Support Payment rather than in two annual payments as it is currently – meaning carers receive extra support more consistently and regularly. 

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We’re making changes to benefits for carers to recognise the important contribution they make and to help ease some of the pressures that can come with a caring role. 

“Scotland’s carers are better off than anywhere else in the UK, and the upcoming improvements will make sure that this remains the case.” 

The Cabinet Secretary met with a group of carers from Lanarkshire Carers in Hamilton to mark the December payment of Carer's Allowance Supplement and upcoming changes to social security support. 

Barbara McAuley, Chief Executive Officer at Lanarkshire Carers said: "We were delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to Lanarkshire Carers Centre for an engaging visit with carers and staff. 

"During the session, the Cabinet Secretary listened to carers' experiences and participated in meaningful discussions on key issues, including social security benefits, working carers, older carers and carers' rights. 

"We are grateful for this chance to ensure carers' voices are heard at the highest level." 

Find out more about social security support for carers at mygov.scot/carers  

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