Scotland is set to introduce a new benefit for unpaid carers called the Carer Support Payment on November 4, 2024.
This new financial support will replace the current Carer’s Allowance, which is managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and will be administered by Social Security Scotland.
With this benefit, unpaid carers providing at least 35 hours of care per week to individuals with disabilities or long-term illnesses will receive £81.90 per week, or £327.60 every four weeks—a noticeable increase from the current Carer’s Allowance of £76.75 per week.
The Carer Support Payment is part of Scotland’s broader efforts to take control of its welfare benefits system, making it more accessible and supportive for carers.
By phasing in the payment across council areas since early 2024, and launching nationwide in November, the new payment is designed to provide more financial relief to unpaid carers while making the application process smoother and more flexible.
New £327 Monthly Carer Support Payment
The Carer Support Payment will offer £81.90 per week or £327.60 every four weeks, a slight increase from the previous benefit.
This boost is especially important as unpaid carers often struggle financially while providing critical care for loved ones.
Table: Comparison of Carer Support Payment vs Carer’s Allowance
| Feature | Carer Support Payment | Carer’s Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Payment | £81.90 | £76.75 |
| Monthly Payment | £327.60 | £307 |
| Care Hours Required | Minimum 35 hours/week | Minimum 35 hours/week |
| Administered By | Social Security Scotland | Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) |
| Eligibility for Students | More flexible (including full-time students aged 16-19) | Limited eligibility |
Eligibility
To qualify for the new Carer Support Payment, you must meet the following criteria:
- Unpaid Care: You must provide unpaid care for at least 35 hours per week to someone with a disability or long-term illness.
- Caring for Someone on a Disability Benefit: The person you care for must be receiving a qualifying benefit, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
- Student Carers: The payment is available to carers aged 16 to 19 in full-time non-advanced education, such as secondary school. More student carers will now be eligible compared to the previous Carer’s Allowance.
- Backdated Payments: If you were eligible when the Carer Support Payment was first introduced in your area but did not apply, you may qualify for backdated payments. Carers have up to 13 weeks from the date the payment becomes available to apply for this provision.
Areas Where Carer Support Payment Is Already Available:
- Perth & Kinross
- Dundee City
- Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles)
- North and South Lanarkshire
- Angus
- Fife
- Aberdeen
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray
- North, East, and South Ayrshire
From November 4, the payment will be available across all of Scotland.
How to Apply
If you’re already receiving Carer’s Allowance, you will be automatically transitioned to the Carer Support Payment. For new applicants, here’s the process:
Steps to Apply for Carer Support Payment:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to Social Security Scotland to begin your application.
- Submit Required Documents: Provide necessary details, such as proof of your care role and the disability benefit received by the person you care for.
- Appointment with SSA Agent: You can schedule an appointment online or offline with an SSA agent if you need help checking your eligibility or completing the application.
- For Veterans: Veterans receiving VA benefits should visit the VA website to see how their payments may be adjusted based on their status as disabled individuals.
Payment Schedule and Options
The Carer Support Payment offers a default payment schedule of every four weeks. However, you can opt for weekly payments if that better suits your financial needs.
This flexibility ensures that unpaid carers have control over how they receive their financial support.
Impact on Unpaid Carers
This new benefit is expected to improve the financial well-being of many unpaid carers across Scotland.
The higher weekly payment amount, more inclusive eligibility for students, and the ability to receive backdated payments make this benefit an important step in recognizing and supporting unpaid carers.
Additionally, by transitioning the administration of these payments to Social Security Scotland, the Scottish government is aiming for a more accessible and responsive system for carers.
The new Carer Support Payment will allow more carers to qualify for much-needed financial help without disruption to their existing payments during the transition period.
FAQs
When will the Carer Support Payment launch nationwide?
It will launch nationwide on November 4, 2024.
How much is the Carer Support Payment?
It’s £81.90 per week, or £327.60 every four weeks.
Will students be eligible for the Carer Support Payment?
Yes, full-time students aged 16-19 are eligible under more flexible rules.
Will current Carer’s Allowance claimants be affected?
Yes, they will be automatically transitioned to the new benefit without disruption.
Can carers receive weekly payments instead of monthly?
Yes, carers can choose between weekly and four-weekly payments.
