Scotland Carers Support Payment to go nationwide
The Scottish Government will soon be making a new Carer Support Payment available nationwide.
The new payment began being rolled out in spring 2024, and is currently available in 12 areas. From November 2024, it will be available to carers nationwide.
What is Carer Support Payment?
A sum of money that is paid into your bank account at the end of each month to help people who are carers. This can be advanced to a weekly payment if you or the person you care for has a terminal illness, through the Special Rules for Terminal Illness.
Other possible benefits you can receive alongside Carer Support Payment include Carer’s Allowance Supplement twice a year, a Christmas bonus and National Insurance credits.
If you’re aged 16 to 18
Young Carer Grant can be applied for before Carer Support Payment if you provide care for an average of at least 16 hours a week. However, if you are already receiving Carer Support Payment, you will not be able to receive a Young Carer Grant.
Where is Carer Support Payment already available?
- Aberdeen City
- Aberdeenshire
- Angus
- Dundee City
- East Ayrshire
- Fife
- Moray
- North Ayrshire
- North Lanarkshire
- Perth and Kinross
- South Ayrshire
- South Lanarkshire
- Western Isles
What if I already receive Carers Allowance?
People who currently receive Carers Allowance and also live in Scotland do not need to apply for Carer Support Payment. The Carers Allowance will be moved over and included in Carer Support Payment between February 2024 and spring 2025.
The Scottish Government’s website provides further information on how Carer Support Payment works, who can apply and how to apply.