carers allowance – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

28% unpaid carers across Scotland are living in poverty

ONE IN TWELVE IN DEEP POVERTY

28% unpaid carers across Scotland live in poverty, with 1 in 12 in deep poverty

The rate of poverty amongst unpaid carers is 56% higher than those who do not provide unpaid care in Scotland.
8% of unpaid carers in Scotland live in deep poverty; 50% below the poverty line.
As many as 100,000 unpaid carers in Scotland are living in poverty.
Carers Scotland is calling for an increase in the value of Carer Support Payment and in its earnings-limit along with an increase in support for unpaid carers on means-tested benefits.

New research finds that unpaid carers in Scotland are significantly more likely to experience financial hardship compared to those who do not provide unpaid care. The report by WPI Economics for Carers UK, funded by arbdn Financial Fairness Trust, explores the drivers and extent of poverty amongst unpaid carers in Scotland, finding that 28% are living in poverty, with 8% classed as being in “deep poverty”.

One of the main drivers of poverty highlighted in the report is the difficulty unpaid carers have combining paid work with their caring role. Many unpaid carers have to give up their careers or reduce their working hours as a result of their unpaid caring responsibilities, which can result in a loss of income and their ability to accumulate savings and pensions.

Other drivers of carer poverty include high housing costs, lack of support and access to social care services and the inadequacy of social security.

Fiona Collie, Head of Public Affairs and Communications for Carers Scotland, said: “It’s deeply disturbing and shocking to hear that as many as 100,000 unpaid carers in Scotland are living in poverty.

“Every day across the country, the care they provide helps to hold society together, and too many are finding themselves in precarious financial positions as a result. Relatively small increases to support can have a big impact on carers’ lives and lift many thousands out of poverty.

“Many carers face huge challenges juggling paid work and unpaid care. We need better support for carers in paid work, and to see visible change for those facing high costs linked to caring by the planned National Care Service meeting the needs of unpaid carers and supports them to continue with paid work, where they are able to combine this with their caring role.

“Carers who are struggling financially, caring for more hours, and caring over a longer period of time are under immense pressure. They urgently need proper support, new rights and legal protections to ensure that they are not penalised as a result of their caring role.”

Vivienne Jackson, Programme Manager at abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, said: “The care system would collapse without the vital people who provide unpaid care.

“It’s not right that those who provide essential services to some of the most vulnerable people in our society are living in poverty. Government and employers need to work together to help lift carers out of poverty.”

Carers Scotland is now calling on the both the UK and Scottish Governments to act on the detailed recommendations laid out in the report, including committing to reviewing Carer Support Payment to increase its low value, reducing complexity and to increasing carer top-ups for those on means tested benefits such as Universal Credit.

The Scottish Government must also continue to develop and deliver its commitment to pilot a minimum income guarantee for unpaid carers in Scotland

The charity also wants to see better support for carers who might be able to combine paid work with unpaid care, including increasing the earnings threshold in Carer Support Payment to 21 hours at the National Living Wage.

One million payments for Scotland’s carers

£280 million paid since launch of Carer’s Allowance Supplement

A benefit only available in Scotland has delivered over one million payments to unpaid carers, new figures show.

Almost £280 million has been paid to over 150,000 carers since Carer’s Allowance Supplement was introduced in September 2018.

The benefit, one of seven available only in Scotland, was created to recognise the vital role of unpaid carers.

Eligible carers get payments twice a year, normally in June and December. In the 2023-2024 financial year each payment was £270.50.

Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid automatically to people who are getting Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment on a on a particular date.

Carer Support Payment, paid by Social Security Scotland, was introduced in three local authority areas in November last year.

It is replacing Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions in Scotland and will be rolled out across the country in Autumn 2024.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Unpaid carers make a significant contribution to society, often at the expense of their own health and wellbeing. The Scottish Government introduced Carer’s Allowance Supplement to recognise this contribution.

“I am pleased we have now made our one millionth payment and have given carers in Scotland almost £280 million of additional support.

“Carer’s Allowance Supplement is part of our wider package of support including Carer Support Payment and Young Carer Grant – another Scotland-only benefit.

“The Scottish Government recognise the pressure the cost of living crisis has placed on household budgets which is why we are continuing to allocate around £3bn a year to policies that tackle poverty and protect people as far as possible.

“This puts more money into the pockets of families who need it, which in turn is good for the economy.”

To find out about eligibility for Carer’s Allowance Supplement visit mygov.scot/carers-allowance-supplement or call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.

Information on other support for carers is available at mygov.scot/help-if-youre-a-carer