Between June and December this year, thousands of Carer's Allowance recipients will receive one-off payments totalling £288.60. The Scottish Government automatically pays the Carer's Allowance supplement twice a year to recognise the significant contribution made by unpaid carers.
Anyone must have been awarded Carer's Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or Carer's Support Payment from Scottish Social Security before 8 April 2024, in order to be eligible for the forthcoming computerised payment.
Upon approval, those who applied for these two benefits before this deadline and are currently anticipating a return selection will receive backdated payments.
The payment is given outside of carers' income and is administered by Scottish Social Security. Those who applied on 7 October 2024 will receive their second Carer's Allowance Supplement payment in December; specific payment dates will be confirmed closer to the event.
Carer's Allowance Payment Changes
The Scottish Government is replacing Carer's Allowance with Carer's Support Payment to better support unpaid carers across Scotland. The switch, which will begin in November 2023 and increase gradually, will ensure continued support for current Carer's Allowance recipients, while preserving payment amounts and eligibility conditions.
Individuals must have obtained Carer's Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or Carer's Support Payment from Scottish Social Security by 8 April 2024, in order to be eligible for the forthcoming computerised payment. If successful, applicants will be able to be paid retrospectively at the same time as they await a decision.
Roll-out Schedule for Carer Support Payments
- Dundee City, Perth & Kinross, and Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles) are all currently eligible for claim.
- North and South Lanarkshire, Angus, June 24
- August 19: Moray, North, East, and South Ayrshire; Fife; Aberdeen; Aberdeenshire
- November 4 : accessible throughout Scotland
Back Payments for Qualified Caregivers
To ensure fairness for those taking part in subsequent roll-out phases, eligible carers can now obtain backdated payments from the start of the carers' support payment being made available.
Those aged between 16 and 19 taking 'advanced' training and carers aged over 20 taking full-time training at any level are the first to benefit.
Claimants must set up software within thirteen weeks of receiving the benefit in their area, which will enable them to benefit from full backdated invoices.
The ongoing process of transferring DWP benefits to Scottish Social Security is expected to be completed in spring 2025.