Major change to benefits for thousands of carers from today – see if you’re affected

A MAJOR change to benefits has been unveiled for thousands of carers.

The Scottish Government has rolled out a new benefit that will replace Carers Allowance in the country.

The new benefit – known as the Carer Support Payment- was trialled 12 months ago but has been introduced across the whole of the country today.

It is almost identical to Carers Allowance, but officials say that unpaid carers who are in full-time education could also be eligible for the payment.

However, unlike the benefit which is claimed across the rest of the UK, some young people in full-time education will be eligible.

This includes full-time students aged 20 or over and students under 20 who are in advanced or higher education.

Additionally, some teenagers between 16 to 19 who are working for National Certificates, Highers or Advanced Highers and who meet certain criteria, could also get the cash.

If this applies to you it is worth getting in contact with your local authority to find out more.

Successful claimants will receive £81.90 per week, which works out to £327.60 per month.

This is identical to the amount you receive claiming Carers Allowance.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, social justice secretary welcomed the rollout, saying the move would make a “significant difference to many carers’ lives”.

She explained: “I am delighted that Carer Support Payment is now available in every local authority in Scotland.

“It means tens of thousands of carers can apply for support worth £81.90 a week to help with living costs. “

Paul Traynor head of Carers Trust Scotland said the move would make a “significant difference” to many carers’ lives and “support more student carers”.

He added: “Research highlights that student carers can be up to four times more likely to drop out of college or university and financial struggles are often one of the key reasons for this.”

It comes as the Scottish government revealed last month that it would be introducing a new benefit to replace Attendance Allowance.

The new benefit – known as the pension age disability payment – will give extra cash to pensioners suffering from long-term illnesses or who are terminally ill.

Applications to apply for the support opened in five trial areas today including,  Argyll and Bute, Aberdeen, Orkney, Shetland and Highland.

However, the whole region will have the benefit introduced by April 2025.

Who is eligible for the payment?

It is worth bearing in mind that this change only applies to Scottish residents.

So if you live in England or Wales you will continue to receive Carers Allowance which is paid by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

The benefit is worth £81.90 per week.

However, if you are living in the country you can get if you provide care for someone and meet certain eligibility criteria.

To claim you must be:

• Aged 16 or over
• Usually live in Scotland
• Provide care for 35 hours or more a week, this includes if you provide care all day every day
• Not earn more than £151 a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses

The person you provide care for must get certain disability benefits, such as Adult Disability Payment.

You can check your eligibility by visiting, www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment/who-can-apply.

How can I apply?

You can apply for the support either online, by post, over the phone or in person.

However, you should have personal information to hand such as your National Insurance number and bank account details.

If you already claim Carers Allowance, DWP and Social Security Scotland will move you from Carer’s Allowance to Carer Support Payment.

This is happening up until spring 2025 and will be automatic, meaning you do not need to do anything.

DWP will continue to pay you until Social Security Scotland starts to pay you Carer Support Payment.

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