Social Security Scotland encourages eligible young caregivers to apply for the yearly Young Carer Grant, which is now valued £383.75 during the fiscal year 2024/25. Since its inception in 2019, the Scottish Government's Young Carer Grant has provided more than £3 million to over 6,600 adolescent carers.
Young Caregivers Urged to Claim Financial Support
According to Scottish Government estimates, approximately 25% of people eligible for the Young Carer Grant in 2022/23 did not apply. The Carers Trust has collaborated with Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville to encourage teens who care for others to acknowledge their important caring role and ask for the support that is offered to them.
The Young Carers Grant, given by Social Security Scotland, is available to anyone aged 16 to 18 who spend 16 or more hours per week caring for someone receiving disability benefits.
The Scottish Government announced the grant in October 2019 to assist young people with caring obligations. It is part of a larger package of support for young carers sponsored by the Scottish government.
Paul Traynor, Head of External Affairs (Scotland) at Carers Trust, said: “There are lots of young people caring for a relative, friend, or member of their community who don’t realise they’re young carers and could be eligible for financial support.
“They might help someone get dressed in the morning, help with shopping or provide emotional support, for example. The person they look after could have a disability, illness, or addiction.
“Young carers often view this as ‘just helping out’ or ‘part of family life’. It could even be expected as part of their culture. It is vital that all young carers know about their rights, what support they are entitled to, are able to have a life alongside caring and are helped to reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives.”
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I’m pleased that the grant we introduced has been able to deliver over £3 million to young carers in Scotland who are balancing their vital caring role with study or work.
“However, we know many young people who look after others see the amazing work they do as part of life and do not recognise themselves as carers and so do not realise they can get financial support.
“I urge any young person aged 16, 17 or 18 who looks after someone else to check if they’re eligible for Young Carer Grant and to apply if they are. It’s money they’re entitled to.”
Young carers may also qualify for Carer Support Payment from Social Security Scotland or Carer's Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Carer's Allowance Supplement is also offered as an additional payment to those in Scotland who receive Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance on a specific date every year.
What is the Young Carer's Grant?
The Young Carer Grant provides a yearly payout of £383.75 to young people in Scotland exclusively. To receive the payment, you must be 16, 17, or 18 years old.
Who is Qualified to Receive this Payment?
If you are a young care provider, you may be looking after:
- Someone from your family
- A friend.
- A neighbour.
What Constitutes “Caring for Someone”?
You could be caring for someone if you:
- Assist them with their mental wellness.
- Offer them emotional support.
- Help them with an illness.
- Assist them with a disability.
- Help them with addiction.
- Comfort them during a panic attack.
- Stay close by so they don't feel lonely.
- Help them get through a problem.
- Check on them throughout the day to ensure their safety.
- Keep them company.
If they are ill or disabled, you may:
- Help them get around.
- Dress them.Give them (or remind them to take) any medication they need.
- Assist them with showering or using the toilet.
- Cook for them.
- Do their food shopping.