West Dunbartonshire carers urged to check financial support

Several financial support schemes are available for carers in Scotland, including the Scottish Carer Supplement, Young Carer Grant, and the newly introduced Carer Additional Person Payment.

As of March this year, 2925 carers in West Dunbartonshire are already receiving the Carer Support Payment; however, more could be entitled to the benefit.

As part of Carers Week, which runs from June 8 to 14, Social Security Scotland is urging unpaid carers to check the support they are receiving.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, social justice secretary, said: "Carers Week is a great opportunity to recognise the importance of unpaid carers in our communities.

"Our recently improved package of support, which is unique to Scotland, recognises the vital role that carers play in our society.

"As a result, Scotland’s carers receive greater support than carers anywhere else in the UK.

"I would urge anyone who cares for someone to find out more about the support available from Social Security Scotland and in their local area."

The Carer Support Payment provides £86.45 per week and has now replaced Carer’s Allowance for most carers in Scotland.

It is available to individuals who provide care for 35 hours or more each week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit, and who earn no more than £204 per week after tax, National Insurance, and expenses.

Financial support is also available to some carers in education.

The Scottish Carer Supplement is an additional payment of £11.70 per week for eligible unpaid carers who receive the Carer Support Payment.

It is paid automatically and does not require a separate application.

The Carer Additional Person Payment, introduced in March this year, offers £10.40 per week to people getting Carer Support Payment who care for more than one person.

Support is also available for younger carers.

The Young Carer Grant provides an annual payment of £405.10 to carers aged 16 to 19 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit.

Carers Week, which runs from June 8 to 14, aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by unpaid carers and to encourage those who may not identify as carers to seek support – whether emotional, social, or financial.

Further information about social security support for carers is available at mygov.scot/carers.

Details of other forms of assistance, including wellbeing services and respite options, can be found by searching Help if you’re a carer on mygov.scot.