Towards the start of this summer, the Scottish Government announced that almost 89,000 one-off Carer’s Allowance recipients received £288.60 each. This was a total of 25.6 million pounds in June for Carer’s Allowance Supplement which only applies to claimants who live in Scotland, recognizing their indispensable input.
These payments administered by Social Security Scotland are different from Carer's Allowance normal payment, currently at £81.90 per week. To receive an automatic payment next December, individuals must:
- Have been getting either Carer’s Allowance from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
- New Carer Support Payment introduced by Social Security Scotland as at 7th October 2024.
What this means is that if you provide not less than thirty-five hours of unpaid care every week and have not claimed the benefit, you could be losing more than four thousand two hundred and fifty pounds per annum.
Do I Qualify for Carer's Allowance?
You may be eligible for weekly payments of carers allowance amounting to £81.90 if your caring meets certain conditions. Payments can be made weekly or four-weekly in advance. Being related to or living together with such person is not essential in any way.
The person you care for must receive one of the following benefits:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) — daily living component
- Child Disability Payment — middle or highest care rate
- Adult Disability Payment — daily living component at standard or enhanced rate
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) — middle or highest care rate
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
If another person also cares for the same individual, only one can claim Carer’s Allowance.
The type of care you provide
You must provide at least 35 hours of care per week, which can include:
- Assisting with washing and cooking
- Accompanying the person to medical appointments
- Helping with household tasks, such as managing bills and shopping
Eligibility
According to guidance on GOV.UK, all the following conditions must apply:
- You are 16 or older
- You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
- You have resided in Scotland for at least two of the past three years (exemptions apply for refugees or those with humanitarian protection)
- You are not in full-time education
- You are not studying for 21 hours a week or more
- You are not subject to immigration control
- Your earnings are £151 or less per week after deductions
How do I make a claim for Carer's Allowance?
Claims may be made through the GOV.UK website or by getting in touch with Carer’s Allowance Unit to ask for a form on 0800 731 0297.
Ensure you have:
- Your National Insurance number (and your partner’s if applicable)
- Bank or building society details
- Employment information and latest payslip if employed
- P45 if you’ve recently left a job
- Course details if studying
- Details of expenses, such as pension contributions or care costs for children or the disabled person while working
You will also need information about the person you care for, including:
- Their date of birth and address
- National Insurance number if they are 16 or older
- Disability Living Allowance reference if they are under 16
Carer Support Payment
Carer Support Payment is replacing the DWP-run Carer’s Allowance bit by bit. In pilot areas across Scotland, this benefit is provided by Social Security Scotland and only to new claimants. It has the same rate as Carer's Allowance (£81.90 weekly) and the same earnings limit of £151 presently.
Carer Support Payment rollout schedule
- Available now: Perth & Kinross, Dundee City, Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles), North and South Lanarkshire, Angus
- 19th August: Fife, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and North, East and South Ayrshire
- 4th November: Available across Scotland