Who is it for?
There are three different benefits/awards people in Scotland could be eligible for if they are caring for someone.
- Carer’s Allowance – is available for someone with earnings (after NI and expenses) of £139 or less a week, who spends at least 35 hours a week caring for a person who is in receipt of certain benefits. This includes helping with washing and cooking, household tasks such as shopping, managing bills and cleaning and taking the person for medical appointments More details available at https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility You do not have to be related or live with the person you care for.
- Carer’s Allowance Supplement – this is an additional allowance for people in Scotland who get Carer’s Allowance on a specific date. It is paid twice a year.
- Young Carer grant – for young people in Scotland age 16 – 18 who have been caring for someone for at least 16 hours a week for the past three months. If you are caring for more than one person the hours can be combined to average 16 hours.
How much is it?
- Carer’s Allowance is £76.75 per week, you can choose to be paid weekly or every four weeks.
- Carer’s Allowance Supplement is two payments of £270.50 payable twice a year in June and December
- Young Carer grant is £359.65 which can be applied for annually until you turn 19
Anything else I should know?
For each week you receive Carer’s Allowance you will also be entitled to National Insurance credits and if you are eligible for a Carer’s Allowance or grant you may also be entitled to other benefits such as a reduction in your Council Tax, Pension Credit, local authority grants and awards. Carer’s Allowance doesn’t count towards the benefit cap.
If you receive Carer’s Allowance the person you care for will usually stop receiving any severe disability payment paid with their benefits or pension credit.
How do I make a claim?
- Carer’s Allowance is paid by the Department of Work and Pensions. Applications can be made online at https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claim
- Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid by Social Security Scotland and you will receive a letter informing you about the payments. The most recent payment was made on 10 June, if you think you are entitled to it and haven’t received it you can call Social Security Scotland on Freephone: 0800 182 2222 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday)
Young Carer grant is paid by Social Security Scotland and applications can be made online at https://www.mygov.scot/young-carer-grant/how-to-apply or by calling 0800 182 2222 to apply over the phone.
Citizens Advice Scotland provide a free Help to Claim Helpline available Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm on 0800 023 2581 or contact WD Citizens Advice Bureau on 0800 484 0136 or visit www.wdcab.co.uk/contact-us
Carers of West Dunbartonshire provide a wide range of support and advice for all unpaid adult carers living in West Dunbartonshire. You can find out more about the support on offer at https://carerswd.org/our-services/ or call 0141 9411550
This article was first published in October 2022, figures included are updated to 2023/24