Carer Support Payment
Social Security Scotland launched Carers Support Payment across the 19 remaining local authorities in Scotland on the 4th November 2024.
If you look after someone who is disabled or has a long-term health condition you might be entitled to Carer Support Payment.
In Scotland, Carer Support Payment has replaced Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
To be eligible, you must provide 35 or more hours of care a week to someone who gets certain disability benefits.
There are many ways people can provide care including:
● helping someone with washing and dressing
● managing household bills
● taking the cared for person to appointments
● providing emotional support
Who can apply?
To be eligible, you need to:
● be 16 or over
● provide 35 hours or more of care a week to someone of any age who is getting certain disability benefits
● earn £151 per week or less on average after some deductions
● live in an area where the benefit is available
How much is Carer Support Payment and when will it be paid?
Carer Support Payment is paid at the same rate as Carer’s Allowance. Currently this is £81.90 per week or £327.60 every four weeks.
What if I already receive Carer’s Allowance?
If you live in Scotland and get Carer’s Allowance you do not need to apply for Carer Support Payment. Your award will be moved from Carer’s Allowance to Carer Support Payment automatically. They’ll let you know when this is happening.
Can I get Carer Support Payment if I’m a student?
Carers aged 16 or over can get Carer Support Payment if they’re studying part-time. People aged 20 or over who are studying full-time can also apply. Carers aged 16 to 19 studying full-time may be eligible depending on the type of course they are studying and their circumstances.
Can I get Carer Support Payment if I receive other benefits?
Yes, though if you get means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Carer Support Payment may affect the amount you receive. You’ll usually be better off overall because you can get extra amounts in these benefits for being a carer.
If you get ‘income replacement’ benefits such as State Pension, this may affect the amount of Carer Support Payment you receive.
If your benefit is worth the same or more than Carer Support Payment, you may have ‘underlying entitlement’. This means you will not receive any money in Carer Support Payment, but might be able to get additional benefits or top ups to existing benefits.
Will Carer Support Payment affect the benefits of the person I care for?
The disability benefits of the person you care for should not be affected.
If the person you care for gets a Severe Disability Premium - an extra amount included in some means-tested benefits - they will usually stop getting this if you receive Carer Support Payment. They may also stop getting reduced Council Tax.
How do I apply?
You can complete the application online in stages, saving it as you go. Find out more and apply online HERE.
You can also apply over the phone or ask for a paper application form by calling them free on 0800 182 2222.
Help to apply is available from their specially trained client advisers in every local authority in Scotland. Book an appointment at a location and time that suits you by calling them on 0800 182 2222.
How to contact them?
Telephone for free on: 0800 182 2222
Text Relay Service: 18001 +0300 244 4000 (for the hard of hearing)
British Sign Language users: contactscotland-bsl.org
Webchat: chat.socialsecurity.gov.scot