More access to financial support during temporary breaks from caring

During the summer holidays, carers are being reminded they no longer need to have provided care for a set period before they can receive support during a temporary break. 

Carers can take a temporary break from their caring role – for a holiday, a hospital stay, or other reasons – and continue to receive their carer benefits during that time, regardless of how long they’ve been in a caring role.  

Carer Support Payment can continue for up to 4 weeks during a temporary break from caring for any reason, and up to 12 weeks if a hospital stay is involved – or a combination of hospital and other reasons – within any 6-month period. This makes financial support more stable and removes barriers to taking a well-earned rest. 

The improvements, introduced in March this year, also extend support in other circumstances. Carers in Scotland now receive up to 12 weeks of continued support if the person they are caring for passes away - an additional 4 weeks - giving more time to adjust at a difficult time. 

These improvements are unique to Scotland and are part of a broader package of support that includes Scottish Carer Supplement and Carer Additional Person Payment for those caring for more than one person. 

Carers should let us know about changes to their caring hours and responsibilities, including temporary stops in care online or by phone. Keeping details up to date also ensures carers get the right amount of support. 

Find out more about reporting a change in circumstances: Carer Support Payment - if your circumstances change - mygov.scot