Financial support for young carers

The day shines a spotlight on young carers across the country and calls for action to ensure young carers have the same opportunities as their peers, with the right recognition, support and chances to reach their potential.

Young people who provide help to someone who gets a disability benefit might be eligible for financial support themselves.

Young Carer Grant is more than £390 and available to young people in Scotland who are

• aged 16, 17, 18 or 19
• 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 £196 per week (after tax, National Insurance and other expenses)

Carer Support Payment also gives people access to Scottish Carer Supplement. This is an extra payment paid at the same time as Carer Support Payment, worth more than £500 a year.

Young carer Millie, from Fort William, says that Young Carer Grant has made a real difference for her – even helping her get on the road.

She says: "I was told about Young Carer Grant through our community link worker and was able to apply for it when I was 16, 17 and 18 which was very beneficial towards my driving lessons. I then used my Young Carer Grant towards things like car insurance and everything else that goes along with adulthood as well."

Unpaid carers like Millie who think they might be eligible for financial support can apply by visiting mygov.scot/carers or calling 0800 182 2222.