Carers to receive extra cash by Christmas

The majority of carers will receive their next payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement on Friday 13 December.  

This supplement, paid twice a year by Social Security Scotland, to carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance in Scotland is in its second year.  Payments have already been made to over 91,000 carers throughout Scotland.

The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is two automatic payments totalling £452.40 this year. It was introduced by the Scottish Government because Carers Allowance was the lowest paid benefit by the UK Government. The additional payment means it is now above the level of Jobseekers Allowance.

This year the Scottish Government is investing over £320 million in Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I am delighted that Carer’s Allowance Supplement, now in its second year, has helped so many carers throughout Scotland. Carers make an invaluable contribution to society. This was the first payment we introduced and we did so to acknowledge their vital role.

“Social Security Scotland has committed to making the majority of payments on 13 December to ensure people have their money by Christmas to help at what can be challenging financial time.”