More than 90,000 people on Carer's Allowance to get double payment this week (2024)

Tens of thousands of unpaid carers will receive a double payment of the Carer’s Allowance Supplement this week under new legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament in October.

Recognising the additional pressures unpaid carers face as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the winter payment of the Carer’s Allowance Supplement will be doubled to £462.80 and paid on Wednesday December 15, benefiting an estimated 91,000 people across Scotland.

The twice-yearly payment of £230 is paid in June and December in addition to the Carers Allowance, which is currently a monthly payment of £270 delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), to recognise the role carers play in society - the additional payments only apply to Scottish carers.

This extra investment, forecast to be £21 million, will be the second time the Scottish Government has doubled a Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment.

The Carer’s Allowance Supplement (Scotland) Bill also gives Ministers powers to provide eligible carers with additional financial support in future if the need arises.

Social security minister Ben Macpherson paid tribute to unpaid carers and their work during the pandemic: “I’m delighted that eligible unpaid carers in Scotland will receive a further double payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement before Christmas this year.

“This additional investment of around £20m means the Scottish Government has provided around £120m of additional funding this year and last, compared to in the rest of the UK, through the supplement and the two additional coronavirus payments, to eligible carers in Scotland."

He added: “By making these additional payments, the Scottish Government is showing our appreciation of the vital role carers play in our society. This funding will help to mitigate some of the negative impacts of the virus on carers’ own finances and wellbeing whilst they continue to provide vital caring roles to friends and family.”

The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is unique in the UK and is one of seven new benefits introduced by the Scottish Government.

Sebastian Fischer, Chief Executive of VOCAL, which supports and empowers unpaid carers in Edinburgh said: “As we emerge from the pandemic, the Coronavirus Carers’ Allowance Supplement is a welcome measure and we are delighted that the Bill has passed. This will support carers who have faced, and continue to face, enormous challenges due to Covid-19.

“Unpaid carers have propped up the health and social care sector, and it is vital that they are recognised in ways that deliver real positive impact.”

To receive the December double payment, people will need to have been claiming Carer’s Allowance by October 11, 2021 - Social Security Scotland automatically adds the Carer’s Allowance Supplement element to your claim.

Am I eligible for Carer’s Allowance?

You may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria.

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 that 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)

  See Also

  15 Signs That Fixer-Upper Might Be a Money Pit

• 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 £128 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

GOV.UK guidance states that 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.

Get the latest money-saving and benefits news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our weekly Money newsletter here.

Story Saved

You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.