New benefit for people in Scotland providing unpaid care set to launch in three council areas this week

A new devolved benefit replacing Carer’s Allowance for people in Scotland is set to launch in three council areas this week. People in Dundee City, Perth and Kinross and the Western Isles will be able to make a new claim to Social Security Scotland for the Carer Support Payment from Monday, November 20.

Following the phased rollout, Carer Support Payment will launch across Scotland in Spring 2024. Social Security Scotland will administer and deliver the new benefit which will only be available to new claimants - people already in receipt of Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will not be affected by the rollout.

Similar to Adult and Child Disability Payment, existing claimants will transfer in stages from DWP to the devolved system, but no details have been released on when this will begin. What is known is that much-like the disability benefits, there will be no break in payments (£76.75 per week) and nobody will need to reapply for Carer Support Payment.

The Scottish Carer Support Payment will maintain the extra financial help provided by the Carer's Allowance Supplement - two additional payments of £270.50 which are made in June and December each year - to increase Carer's Allowance (£76.75 per week) by over 13 per cent, and will help to link carers to wider support and services.

By the end of the current financial year on April 5, 2024, Social Security Scotland will be administering 14 devolved benefits, including Carers Support Payment.

No eligibility criteria have been set out yet, but the Carer Support Payment is expected to follow similar qualifying criteria to Carer’s Allowance. Below is everything you need to know about the benefit - if you are making a claim, it need to be through DWP until the new benefit launches nationwide, or in one of the pilot areas.

Carer’s Allowance Supplement

Carer’s Allowance Supplement is a devolved payment worth £270.50 and paid twice each year to people in Scotland in receipt of Carer’s Allowance on specific dates in April and October. However, this also includes anyone who makes a new claim by the qualifying dates which later turns out to be successful.

The next deadline is October 9, 2023 with the second and final payment of the year due to be made in December. Tens of thousands of people could receive the money, which is paid separately by Social Security Scotland from the weekly Carer’s Allowance payment.

Nobody can apply directly for the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, the money is paid automatically to those on Carer’s Allowance - new claims to DWP are currently being processed in just over 15 working days, on average.

Am I eligible for Carer’s Allowance?

You may be eligible for weekly Carer’s Allowance payments of £76.75 if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria. You can choose to be paid weekly in advance or every four weeks.

You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.

The person you care for must already get one of these benefits:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - daily living component

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - the middle or highest care rate

• Attendance Allowance

• Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

• Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension

• Armed Forces Independence Payment

If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance.

The type of care you provide

You need to spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone.

This can include:

• helping with washing and cooking

• taking the person you care for to a doctor’s appointment

• helping with household tasks, like managing bills and shopping

Eligibility

Guidance on GOV.UK states all of the following must apply:

• You are 16 or over

• You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone

• You have been in Scotland for at least two of the last three years (this does not apply if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)

• You are not in full-time education

• You are not studying for 21 hours a week or more

• You are not subject to immigration control

• Your earnings are £139 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses

How do I make a claim for Carer's Allowance?

You can claim online at the GOV.UK website here or phone the Carer’s Allowance Unit for a claim form on 0800 731 0297.

Before you apply make sure you have your:

• National Insurance number (if you have a partner you’ll need theirs too)

• Bank or building society details

• Employment details and latest payslip if you’re working

• P45 if you’ve recently finished work

• Course details if you’re studying

• Details of any expenses, for example pension contributions or the cost of caring for your children or the disabled person while you’re at work

Guidance on GOV.UK states you also need details of the person you care for.

You need their:

• Date of birth and address

• National Insurance number if they are 16 or over

• Disability Living Allowance reference if they are under 16

More help and advice about Carer's Allowance

You can get more help and advice from:

• Carers UK

• Carers Trust

• Citizens Advice Scotland

• NHS: Carers Direct helpline

Find out more about claiming Carer’s Allowance on the Gov.uk website here.

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