If you’ve read our previous blog, then you know that many unpaid carers are eligible for Carers Allowance in the UK. This is a benefit designed to provide some financial support to people who care for someone who cannot care for themselves. This allowance does vary a little across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland so we’re here to help. In Scotland, it is known as the Carer Support Payment,

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Carer Support Payment in Scotland including:

• What is the Carer Support Payment?

• Who is eligible

• How can Scottish carers apply?

• Other Scottish help that is available

• FAQs about the payment

Let’s get started.

If you’d like to read our overview of Carers Allowance payments across the UK, please read our blog here

What is the Carer Support Payment in Scotland?

In 2024, the Carer Support Payment officially took the place of the old Carer’s Allowance. This change is part of Scotland taking full control of its own social security, moving the management away from the DWP and into the hands of Social Security Scotland.

For those who qualify, this provides a weekly payment of £83.30. You don’t need to live with or even be related to the person you care for, as long as they receive a qualifying disability benefit, you could be eligible for this essential support. 

Am I eligible for the Carer Support Payment?

To receive the Carer Support Payment, you need to meet a few simple criteria. You should be 16 or over, live in Scotland, and provide at least 35 hours of care per week. This includes everything from physical help to emotional support during an illness or mental health crisis.

The Financials:

• Earnings: You can work, but your weekly take-home pay (after tax and expenses) must be £196 or less.

• Payments: You’ll typically receive your payment every 4 weeks. However, if you've recently moved over from the old Carer’s Allowance, you can stick to weekly payments.

• Banking: Payments go straight into a UK bank account, yours or someone else's. 

How can Scottish carers apply for The Carer Support Payment?

Applying for the Carer Support Payment doesn't have to be a daunting task. You can take care of it all online through the mygov.scot portal, but if you’d rather speak to a real person, help is just a phone call away.

You can call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222 (Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm). If you're someone who prefers a face-to-face chat, you can even request a meeting with a local client support adviser. They can visit you at home, meet you in your community, or set up a video call to walk you through the application step-by-step.

How does the Carer Support Payment affect my other benefits and finances?

If you qualify for the Carer Support Payment, you may be able to get more money from the following benefits:

• Universal Credit 

• Housing Benefit

• Pension Credit

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Income Support 

• Pension Credit

• Council Tax Reduction

• Housing Benefit

You can see if you can/how to apply at the mygov.scot website.

Please keep in mind that there are also benefits that can reduce your Carer Support Payment as well. These are referred to as ‘overlapping benefits.’ and include (but are not limited to):

• Maternity Allowance

• State Pension

• New Style Employment and Support Allowance

• New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Incapacity Benefit

• Severe Disablement Allowance

• Widowed Parent’s Allowance

• Unemployability Supplement

You can see the full list and how much they may affect your Carer Support Payment at the mygov.scot website here.

If you qualify for the Scottish Carer Support Payment, you may also qualify for some additional payments as well:

• Christmas bonus: This is a tax-free, one-off payment of £10 paid in the first full week of December. You can see if you qualify on the .gov website here.
  
  
  

• Scottish Carer’s Allowance Supplement: This is an extra payment given twice a year to people in Scotland who get Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance. You can see if you qualify here.
  
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

• How much is a Carer Support Payment?

Carer Support Payment is £83.30 per week, the same amount as Carers Allowance in England and Wales. You can choose to either be paid this amount every week, or every month.

• What changes do I need to tell Social Security Scotland about?

You will need to contact Social Security Scotland if you are receiving the Carer Support Payment and either start or stop receiving an overlapping benefit. (The overlapping benefits are listed above)

• What other support is available for carers in Scotland?

There are a number of other resources and benefits available in Scotland for unpaid carers. These include: support from your local support centre (they can help you create an Adult Carer Support Plan), support if you are working or studying while caring and services and charities that offer respite breaks.

This is where Carefree comes in! 

We have a number of Scottish hotels on our platform for you to take a well deserved 1-2 night stay away. If you provide 30+ hours of unpaid care per week, you qualify for two Carefree breaks per year. Simply sign up here.

• Does my partner’s income or benefits affect my eligibility for Carer Support Payment?

No. Your partner's income does not affect the Carer Support Payment or how much you will receive. 

• Can I get the Carer Support Payment if I study?

You qualify for the Carer Support Payment if you spend less than 21 hours a week in class or doing coursework.

• Can I get the Carer Support Payment if I work?

Yes, however you will only qualify if your take home pay is less than £196 a week (that’s  £849 a month, or £10,192 a year.) Social Security Scotland will check this when you apply for the Carer Support Payment.

• Can I claim if I am caring for a flatmate or friend?

Yes. Your cared for person does not have to be a relative.