Increased financial help for carers

Financial support for unpaid carers in Scotland is being strengthened in recognition of their vital role. 

From today (March 16) carers who look after more than one person for at least 20 hours a week will be able to claim the new Carer Additional Person Payment, worth over £500 a year for each additional cared-for person. 

The new payment is part of a package of measures to improve carer support, with carers in Scotland now better off than anywhere else in the UK.  

Other improvements include extending Carer Support Payment following the death of the cared-for person from 8 to 12 weeks and replacing Carer's Allowance Supplement with 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: “Making sure unpaid carers are recognised for their important role has been paramount for me in my time as Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, so I’m incredibly proud that the latest improvements to support are now in place. 

“Unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities, providing vital care and support for those closest to them. Carer Additional Person Payment will go further in recognising the impact caring for multiple people can have on a carer and this will make a difference to thousands of families. 

“Social security is a human right and something that anyone may need at any point in their life. I would encourage any carers who might be eligible to get in touch with Social Security Scotland to find out more about the support available to them.”

This is the latest in a series of improvements to support for carers which are unique to Scotland, and includes the extension of Young Carer Grant to 19-year-olds and the extension of Carer Support Payment to more people in education.  

Access resources to raise awareness of financial support available to carers at socialsecurity.gov.scot/resources