Tag: carers

Thousands of carers’ benefits transferred

Scotland’s carers getting more financial support through Social Security Scotland

Around 118,000 unpaid carers who were receiving Carer’s Allowance have had their benefit awards safely and securely transferred to Social Security Scotland’s Carer Support Payment. 

Carer Support Payment began rolling out across Scotland in November 2023 to replace Carer’s Allowance delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 

Since the formation of Social Security Scotland in 2018, the Scottish Government has delivered more financial support for unpaid carers in Scotland under a very different social security system, rooted in dignity, fairness and respect. 

Carer’s Allowance Supplement provides up to £587 a year while Young Carer Grant offers over £390 each year to carers aged 16-18 years. These payments are only available in Scotland.  

Carer Support Payment has also been extended to enable more carers in full time education to access the payment.  

Further improvements to carer benefits in Scotland are planned within the next six months. This includes extension of Young Carer Grant to 19-year-olds and a new payment worth up to £520 a year for carers who are caring for more than one person.  

Extending eligibility for financial support following the death of the cared-for person from 8 to 12 weeks is also amongst the plans. 

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We are supporting over 126,000 unpaid carers in Scotland through devolved carer benefits, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to improving social security, under a kinder system that treats people with dignity and respect.  

“It was always our intention that once carers’ benefits had successfully transferred to Carer Support Payment, we’d deliver even more changes to help make a difference to carers’ lives. 

“Unpaid carers make a huge contribution within our communities and I’m proud to be able to improve the financial support available to them in Scotland.” 

MSP welcomes new carers payment

Gordon Macdonald MSP has welcomed new proposals laid before the Scottish Parliament which will see unpaid carers in Edinburgh receive greater financial support, including a brand-new annual payment worth up to £520 for those who care for more than one person.

The Carer Additional Person Payment is expected to benefit around 18,000 people across Scotland and will form part of the SNP Scottish Government’s new Carer Support benefit package. This marks another milestone in Scotland’s distinct approach to social security, built on the SNP’s principles of dignity, fairness and respect.

Other measures include extending the Young Carer Grant to 19 year olds, widening access to Carer Support following the death of the cared-for person, and easing rules around breaks in caring responsibilities.

Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said:

“Unpaid carers make an enormous contribution in communities across the city, supporting family, friends and neighbours with dedication and love. The SNP is once again showing it recognises that contribution by putting money directly into the pockets of those caring for more than one person.

“This new payment, alongside the existing Carer Support Payment and Carer Supplement, will provide vital help at a time when so many carers are juggling even more financial pressures with the demands of looking after loved ones because of Labour’s austerity measures and cost of living crisis.

“This is another clear example of the SNP doing everything we can with the powers we have to deliver a fairer social security system for Scotland – one rooted in compassion and respect, and that improves lives where Westminster has failed carers for far too long.”

Recognising unpaid carers

New payment for people caring for more than one person

Proposals to further expand and improve the benefits available to unpaid carers in Scotland have been laid before the Scottish Parliament. 

Among the changes are plans to introduce a new payment worth up to £520 annually for people who care for more than one person – benefiting an estimated 18,000 carers – and to extend eligibility for the Young Carer Grant to 19-year-olds.

This builds on previous changes following the transfer of responsibility for carer benefits from the UK Government to the Scottish Government, including the introduction of new benefits such as Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

Around 130,000 people are entitled to Scottish Government carer benefits in Scotland. 

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government recognises the immense contribution carers make to our society through caring for family, friends and neighbours.

“That is why we have made it a priority to deliver a series of improvements to better support them following the transfer of carer benefit awards from the Department for Work and Pensions to Social Security Scotland.  

“We have a very different approach to social security in Scotland, with dignity, fairness and respect at its heart, and these changes build on previous work to help improve the lives of carers. We have already introduced Carer’s Allowance Supplement and the Young Carer Grant – which are only available in Scotland – and widened eligibility for Carer Support Payment to enable more carers in education to access it.  

“This is another major milestone in the process of delivering devolved social security and in building a system that better meets the needs of carers and disabled people in Scotland.” 

Corstorphine Community Centre: Caring For Carers

THURSDAYS FORTNIGHTLY 10.15 – 11.30am

Are you a Carer?

We know the role is complicated and tiring. Join us fortnightly for a little light relief- maybe even a giggle.

Relax with like minded folks, share experiences, find out about resources and carve some time out for you.

Helping people stay in employment

Pilot projects launched

Three new initiatives to help people find and stay in work, including disabled people and those with long term health conditions, have been announced.

The pilot projects will share £228,000 of Scottish Government funding to enable people with diverse needs to enter, stay in or progress in the workplace. They will be used to expand flexible working in sectors such as manufacturing and help diversify the public sector workforce.

Business and Employment Minister Richard Lochhead welcomed the launch at Scottish Leather Group in Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, where staff are already benefiting from initiatives such as compressed hours and reduced hours for people approaching retirement.

He said: “This new funding will help provide flexible and supportive working environments and contribute to a more dynamic, diverse, and resilient jobs market in Scotland.

“This has significant benefits for workers and means employers like Scottish Leather Group can draw from a wider talent pool.

“The Scottish Government is committed to helping people remain in work and strengthening pathways into employment for those furthest from the jobs market. This new funding will promote flexible working, support disabled employees and people at risk of economic inactivity.”

Nikki Slowey, co-founder and director of Flexibility Works, said: “People’s lives are constantly changing, whether that’s with children, caring for older relatives or for health needs, and we know many people drop out of work altogether if the juggle between work and home life becomes too stressful.

“Employers that are attuned to this and are able to be flexible can keep hold of talented and experienced staff. Often people only want small changes, such as a little home working or to start and finish at slightly different times.

“This enables people to keep working, which is good for their finances and wellbeing as well as delivering benefits for their employer and our wider economy.”

The funding is part of wider Scottish Government efforts to enable people with diverse needs to enter, stay in or progress in the workplace, which in turn will help boost the economy and tackle child poverty.

It will allow three separate organisations to run distinct pilot projects – all with the aim of providing workplace support:

  • Training specialists Flexibility Works will receive £96,100 to equip manufacturing sector employers with knowledge and tools to adopt and embed sustainable, flexible working practices.
  • National representative body the Scottish Union for Supported Employment (SUSE) will access £98,737 to support employers, disabled people and people with long term conditions, to stay in work helping to reduce the Disability Employment Gap. SUSE will work intensively with a group of 16-20 employers over the life of the pilot, delivering training and practical support.
  • Business in the Community will use £33,969 to deliver workshops on inclusive hiring and progression initiatives within public sector organisations and help managers to attract and support diverse talent.

Thousands of Scots urged to access vital care funding

Unpaid carers in Scotland urged to access respite funding, as 1 in 3 struggle to take a break

The UK’s largest community of unpaid carers is urging hundreds of thousands of Scots providing unpaid care for someone to access vital respite funding. This follows new research revealing that 1 in 3 unpaid carers are rarely able to take a break.

Released as part of a carer-led “protest from home” in July, the Carers Trust research shows that 44% of unpaid carers are not currently accessing government-issued respite care. This echoes previous research conducted by Mobilise in July 2024, which revealed that almost half (47%) of unpaid carers had never taken a break, with many respondents citing a lack of available support as the reason.

It also comes as the Scottish Government introduces a legal right to breaks for unpaid carers under the new Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025. 

Now, experts at carer-led community Mobilise are also calling for greater awareness of funding for replacement care services and holiday accommodation, as well as new developments around Scottish carers’ rights to breaks. This support can give unpaid carers desperately needed breaks.

What rights do unpaid carers have to take breaks? 

Local Authorities now have a duty, under the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025, to ensure that all unpaid carers are able to take sufficient breaks. This means that all unpaid carers living in Scotland are now legally entitled to take a break. 

Anyone in a caring role also has the right to be assessed for an ‘Adult Carer Support Plan’ (or Young Carer Statement, if you’re caring for a child). This can lead to free respite care services, or funding for breaks and activities that offer time away from caring responsibilities – ranging from regular time off to a short holiday.

What respite care funding is available? 

Adult Carer Support Plans aren’t the only way to access replacement care services. A number of different funding options are available to give Scottish carers respite breaks (sometimes known as ‘carers breaks’ or ‘short breaks’), depending on the level of care you provide and the needs of the person you are caring for. 

Respite care costs can also be covered by:  

  • Local council funding via Social Care Assessments – Depending on where you live, respite care funding may fall under the care plan of the person you care for, which is put in place following what’s known as a Social Care or Community Care Assessment. You can ask your local council’s social care department for help with this. 
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare funding – This funding can provide professional care services for the person you look after, whilst you take a break. Eligibility is based on the health care needs and circumstances of the care recipient. The NHS has more information about this criteria, and your GP can also advise and help you apply.
  • Local Carers’ Centre funding – Your local Carers’ Centre may have their own respite scheme, offer grants, or be able to offer details of other funding available in your area. Find out more here.
  • Charitable funds & grants – Other organisations that provide free respite care include:
  • Turn2Us – This charity offers grants for respite care 
  • The Respite Association – Specialist respite care for disabled, sick, elderly and terminally ill people is available through this charity
  • HRH Princess Royal’s Respite Fund for Carers – This fund offers grants for replacement care costs as well as group activities, which may offer a short break and/or time to socialise with other carers

Where can carers get free respite accommodation?

Even with respite care services in place, holiday accommodation costs can be prohibitive for carers who often face additional expenses, and may have to drop out of paid roles or reduce their hours. To help break down this barrier to breaks, a number of organisations offer free accommodation for carers. Some also offer support for your cared-for person to join you.

Free respite accommodation options include:

  • Shared Care Scotland – From accessible hotels that host carers and their loved ones, to home-based respite services and holiday accommodation for carers, this charity helps carers find and fund regular short breaks
  • Carefree – This charity offers 1-2 night hotel stays, which you can have a companion join you for (someone other than the person you look after, to give you a break from caring)
  • After Umbrage – Free 4-day cottage breaks are available through this charity for those caring for someone with life-limiting and terminal conditions
  • Take A Break Scotland – Scottish carers who look after disabled children and young people can apply for cash grants towards short breaks via this charity
  • The Respite Association – As well as free respite care, if you look after someone with a disability or additional health needs, this charity offers week-long seaside holidays
  • Disability Grants – If you look after a disabled person, this organisation lists holiday grants, with a ‘supported holiday’ option to make breaks more accessible for you both

To get more help finding and applying for respite care funding and support, you can visit Mobilise’s detailed Guide to Respite. Care support experts are also on hand to help via the Mobilise website.

Edinburgh carers’ charity awarded £5,000 by Scotmid members

Edinburgh-based charity, Care for Carers has received £5,000 in funding thanks to votes from Scotmid members.

Scotmid lets members vote for local causes with their membership cards. Care for Carers received the most support in the East.

The Community Listening Project, Pennypit Trust, Canongate Youth, Door in the Wall, and Croft Street Hub each received £1000.

Founded in 1989, Care for Carers is a voluntary organisation that supports unpaid carers of all ages and circumstances.

The charity provides emotional and practical help, from one-to-one guidance to information and signposting, as well as opportunities for carers to take time for themselves. These services enable carers to step away from their caring role, connect with others in similar situations, and recharge.

Ruth MacLennan, CEO, Care for Carers, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen by Scotmid Members for the Member Choice Award.

“This funding means we can do even more for the carers we support, including being able to offer vital respite opportunities – it will make such a difference to us to have this award.”

The Member Choice Awards complement Scotmid’s ongoing community grants and donations, which together benefit more than 1,000 organisations annually. These include youth clubs, mental health charities, food banks, and environmental programmes.

The next Member Choice Awards cycle, ending in November 2025, has shortlisted the following good causes from the east region: The Larder, Spark, Seagull Trust, Gorebridge Community Care, Forever Young Club, and Kirkliston Community Conservation Volunteers/Waste Not Want Not Community Fridge.

The winner will be announced later this year.

Learn more or apply for future rounds at: https://scotmid.coop/community-funding

Carers Allowance Supplement

SUPPORT FROM SOCIAL SECURITY SCOTLAND

Over 89,000 unpaid carers received an extra payment of £293.50 in June 2025.

Carer’s Allowance Supplement is only available in Scotland and gets paid automatically to people who get Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance.

Find out more at https://bit.ly/CarersAllowanceSupplement

Scotland’s unpaid carers over £4,400 better off

Carers urged to check for financial support during Carers Week

This Carers Week (9 – 15 June), unpaid carers across Scotland are being encouraged to find out if they are eligible for social security support – through Carer Support Payment, Carer’s Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant  

Carer’s Allowance Supplement – a payment only available north of the border – was the first benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland in 2018 to provide extra financial support for carers, recognising their important contribution.   

Since the payment’s introduction, unpaid carers in Scotland will be up to £4,475 better off by the end of 2025. 

On a visit to Midlothian Carers Centre to meet with parent carers of adults with additional support needs, Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart, said: “Social security in Scotland isn’t about renaming benefits previously delivered by the UK Government.

“We are about delivering social security with dignity, fairness and respect, continually listening to what carers and support organisations have to say to help shape the changes we’re making.  
  
“We introduced Carer’s Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant, which are only available in Scotland, and widened eligibility for Carer Support Payment to enable more carers in education to access it.

“We’re also committed to introducing new extra support for carers who care for more than one person. Changes to help improve the lives of carers in Scotland. 

“Social security is something anyone may need at any point in their life. It’s a public service and I encourage all unpaid carers to find out if they are entitled to financial support and apply.”  

Carla Bennett, Carer Services Manager at VOCAL Midlothian added: “Unpaid carers often face financial hardship, with many forced to give up paid work or reduce their hours to support those they care for.

“Caring for someone comes with additional costs too, such as transport, heating, equipment and food. These expenses, combined with reduced income, mean carers are more likely to experience poverty.  

“Demand for VOCAL’s income maximisation service has doubled in the past year, showing that carers are feeling the strain. Accessing financial and social security support can ease this burden and make a significant difference to the lives of carers and those they care for.

“We would encourage carers to find out what they might be eligible for.” 

Carers Week: Playlist For Life

Caring for someone living with dementia can be hard

Personal playlists however can give dementia carers, who are often relatives or friends respite, by helping to reduce symptoms including distress, anxiety, loss of communication and low mood.

Want to know how to make a playlist? Join our free webinar for family and friends this Thursday to learn how:

https://www.playlistforlife.org.uk/…/how-to-make-a…/…