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Financial support for unpaid carers in Scotland is being strengthened in recognition of their vital role.
From yesterday (Monday 16 March) carers who look after more than one person for at least 20 hours a week will be able to claim the new Carer Additional Person Payment, worth over £500 a year for each additional cared-for person.
The new payment is part of a package of measures to improve carer support, with carers in Scotland now better off than anywhere else in the UK.
Other improvements include extending Carer Support Payment following the death of the cared-for person from 8 to 12 weeks and replacing Carer’s Allowance Supplement with Scottish Carer Supplement which will be paid alongside Carer Support Payment rather than in two annual payments as it is currently – meaning carers receive extra support more consistently and regularly.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Making sure unpaid carers are recognised for their important role has been paramount for me in my time as Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, so I’m incredibly proud that the latest improvements to support are now in place.
“Unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities, providing vital care and support for those closest to them. Carer Additional Person Payment will go further in recognising the impact caring for multiple people can have on a carer and this will make a difference to thousands of families.
“Social security is a human right and something that anyone may need at any point in their life. I would encourage any carers who might be eligible to get in touch with Social Security Scotland to find out more about the support available to them.”
This is the latest in a series of improvements to support for carers which are unique to Scotland, and includes the extension of Young Carer Grant to 19-year-olds and the extension of Carer Support Payment to more people in education.
Dawn Williamson, from Penicuik in Midlothian, cares for her 12-year-old daughter, who has autism, as well as her elderly parents and uncle.
She welcomed the news of increased financial support for carers with multiple caring responsibilities from Social Security Scotland.
Ms Williamson said: “It’s amazing that there is this acknowledgement for people who do look after more than one disabled person. It’s improving things for every carer out there who manages care for multiple people.
“When it comes to applying for support, I always say, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. It makes a real difference. Getting Carer Support Payment – it felt like I was getting recognition for the job that I had to do, looking after my daughter. If it wasn’t there, I don’t know how we would have got by.”
Around 3,000 more parent carers who look after disabled or seriously ill children will be able to take a break from their caring routine thanks to increased investment.
They will receive cash grants to help finance a short break, like a day out or time away with their loved ones, after an additional £1.1 million was given to Family Fund, a charity supporting parents who look after disabled and seriously ill children.
Taking the total number of short breaks supported by the Scottish Government up to more than 8,500 in 2025-2026, the cash grants will go to those who originally applied for financial assistance but were unsuccessful due to high demand.
Recognising their selflessness over the festive period and throughout the year, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Unpaid carers are the unsung heroes of so many people’s lives. They go above and beyond to provide comfort and dignity for thousands of people, and they do so with pride.
“But it can also be a demanding and tiring responsibility. I am proud that we are supporting more parent carers to look after themselves, helping them to reset with a short break away from the day-to-day routine of caring.
“They show dedication, love and support, not just over the festive period, but every single day. They have my utmost respect and gratitude for the work that they do.”
Family Fund previously supported Yunus, 46, who is a Livingston-based father of four, to take his family to Blackpool last year.
Yunus had stopped working in cyber security to become a full-time, unpaid carer for his daughter, Arya, 5.
She suffered from Acute Lympoblastic Leukaemia, a cancer in blood cells, which her dad described as “hell on earth.”
Arya rang the bell last Christmas, marking the end of her treatment. Now, she receives regular health checks and is doing well aside from minor side effects from treatment.
Yunus also cares for his wife and his son with autism. He said: “The support that organisations like Family Fund provide people facing the circumstances I have is invaluable.
“You never expect the worst to happen to your own family, but when it does, it’s crucial that help is available. I am so proud of my daughter and of my entire family.
“Being able to take a short break brought some light back to our lives during one of the toughest periods for my wife, my children, and myself. I’m pleased the Scottish Government is helping to make that a reality for many others.”
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
