The Government of Scotland is launching the DWP New £327/Month Unpaid Care Payment in November 2024.
This payment is part of the Carer Support Payment program and is designed to provide financial assistance to those who care for individuals with illnesses or disabilities.
If you’re an unpaid carer and live in Scotland, this program can help alleviate some of your financial burdens.
Here’s everything you need to know about the DWP £327 Unpaid Care Payment, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, and important dates.
Overview of the Unpaid Care Payment
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in Scotland has transitioned its long-standing Care Allowance program into the Carer Support Payment. This transition provides a monthly payment of £327 to eligible carers.
The payment aims to support carers who dedicate at least 35 hours per week to caring for someone with a disability.
The rollout of the Carer Support Payment is being conducted in phases, starting with specific areas in June 2024 and expanding across Scotland by November 4, 2024.
Areas Where the Program is Available:
- June 2024: Angus, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire
- August 2024: Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, East Ayrshire, Fife, Moray, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire
- November 4, 2024: Available across all of Scotland
Eligibility for the £327 Unpaid Care Payment
To qualify for the Carer Support Payment, you must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: You must live in Scotland and have lived in the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands) for a specific period.
- Age: You must be at least 16 years old.
- Care Hours: You must provide at least 35 hours of care per week for someone who receives a disability benefit.
- Income Limit: You must not earn more than £151 (net) per week.
- Disability Benefit: The person you care for must be receiving a qualifying disability benefit.
- Satisfy Residence Conditions: You must meet the residence conditions specified by the program.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: 16 or older
- Hours of Care: 35+ hours per week
- Income Limit: Under £151 net weekly income
- Care Receiver: Must be on a recognized disability benefit
Special Backdate Feature
The backdate feature of the Carer Support Payment allows eligible carers to claim payments for a period prior to their application. Payments can be backdated up to 13 weeks if you were eligible during that time but didn’t apply right away.
This is especially useful for student carers, who can backdate their claim to November 19, 2023, or when they first met the eligibility requirements.
Backdate Rules:
- Payments can be backdated for up to 13 weeks.
- For student carers, claims can be backdated to November 19, 2023 (when the principal regulations came into effect).
How to Apply for the £327/Month Unpaid Care Payment
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the DWP New £327/Month Unpaid Care Payment online. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the Scotland Department of Work and Pensions website.
- Search for the Care Payment Program: Use the website’s search function to find the Care Support Payment section.
- Start Your Application: Click on the Apply Online link to begin your application.
- Enter Personal Details:
- Provide your postcode and other required personal details.
- You’ll need to enter your National Insurance number, bank account details, and address.
- Include your child’s reference number if you are claiming for a child under 16.
- Attach Supporting Documents: Attach any required documents such as proof of income, proof of care hours, and other supporting evidence.
- Submit Your Application: Once completed, submit the application and wait for approval from the DWP. Payments will typically begin on the 4th week of each month after approval.
Important Payment Dates:
- First Payment: Payments for the November 2024 cycle will begin on November 4, 2024.
- Monthly Payments: Subsequent payments will be made on a monthly basis.
The DWP New £327/Month Unpaid Care Payment is a valuable financial support program for unpaid carers in Scotland. By meeting the eligibility criteria and applying online, you can ensure that you receive this monthly payment to help support your caregiving efforts.
The phased rollout means that from November 4, 2024, all eligible carers in Scotland will be able to apply for this benefit.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the £327 unpaid care payment in Scotland?
Anyone aged 16 or older, living in Scotland, caring for someone receiving a disability benefit, providing at least 35 hours of care per week, and earning less than £151 (net) per week.
When will the £327 unpaid care payment be available across Scotland?
The payment will be available nationwide starting from November 4, 2024.
Can I backdate my claim for the care payment?
Yes, you can backdate your payment up to 13 weeks if you were eligible during that time but did not apply right away.
How do I apply for the DWP care payment?
Visit the Scotland Department of Work and Pensions website, search for the Care Support Payment program, and follow the steps to apply online.
What documents are needed to apply for the £327 care payment?
You’ll need your National Insurance number, bank account details, proof of residency, and supporting documents to confirm eligibility.
