£280m Paid Since Launch of Carer’s Allowance Supplement
A benefit only available in Scotland has delivered over one million payments to unpaid carers, new figures show.
Almost £280 million has been paid to over 150,000 carers since Carer’s Allowance Supplement was introduced in September 2018.
The benefit, one of seven available only in Scotland, was created to recognise the vital role of unpaid carers.
Eligible carers get payments twice a year, normally in June and December. In the 2023-2024 financial year each payment was £270.50.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid automatically to people who are getting Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment on a on a particular date.
Carer Support Payment, paid by Social Security Scotland, was introduced in three local authority areas in November last year.
It is replacing Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions in Scotland and will be rolled out across the country in Autumn 2024.
The millionth payment of Carers Allowance Supplement is an important and welcome landmark in the Scottish Government’s support for and recognition of unpaid carers.
GRAEME
The SNP government’s commitment to carers was evident when this was the first devolved benefit to be launched, and it is evident now as we move towards nationwide rollout of the new Carer Support Payment.
As with many of the devolved benefits, Carers Allowance Supplement has been unique to Scotland too – as is the Young Carer Grant.
I would encourage anyone who may be eligible for such support to check this and ensure they are receiving all payments to which they are entitled.
Unpaid carers make a significant contribution to society, often at the expense of their own health and wellbeing. The Scottish Government introduced Carer’s Allowance Supplement to recognise this contribution.
SOCIAL JUSTICE SECRETARY, SHIRLEY-ANNE SOMERVILLE
I am pleased we have now made our one millionth payment and have given carers in Scotland almost £280 million of additional support.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement is part of our wider package of support including Carer Support Payment and Young Carer Grant – another Scotland-only benefit.
The Scottish Government recognise the pressure the cost of living crisis has placed on household budgets which is why we are continuing to allocate around £3bn a year to policies that tackle poverty and protect people as far as possible.
This puts more money into the pockets of families who need it, which in turn is good for the economy.
To find out about eligibility for Carer’s Allowance Supplement visit mygov.scot/carers-allowance-supplement or call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.
Information on other support for carers is available at mygov.scot/help-if-youre-a-carer
