The latest figures released by the Scottish Government show that over 658,000 Carer’s Allowance Supplement payments have been made to 126,055 people since the bi-annual bonus was first introduced in September 2018.
Carer's Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for people in Scotland who get Carer's Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DwP). Just under 82,000 eligible claimants received a double payment of £462.80 in December, 2021 in recognition of the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on unpaid carers.
There are two Carer's Allowance Supplement eligibility qualifying dates each year and it has now been confirmed that this year the deadlines will be Monday, April 11 and Monday, October 10, 2022 - which means you must have made a claim by those dates to receive either supplemental payment.
The latest official statistics show that over two-thirds of Carer’s Allowance Supplement payments were made to female carers (68%) and 46 per cent of all recipients were aged 50 or over, some 37,980 carers.
Carers Allowance Supplement payments December 2021
Based on the number of eligible claimants in October 2021:
- Total number of claimants: 81,920
- Women: 67,860
- Men: 14,060
Glasgow had the highest number of eligible carers (12,915), followed by North Lanarkshire (6,885), Fife (6,280) and Edinburgh (4,670).
Commenting recently on the figures, the Minister for Social Security, Ben Macpherson said: “In recognising the vital contribution of unpaid carers in our society, Carer’s Allowance Supplement was the first payment we introduced when we established our new social security system in 2018. Providing this supplementary payment rights the wrong that Carer’s Allowance on its own is the lowest of all working age benefits in the UK.
“The impacts of the pandemic put additional pressure on tens of thousands of carers across the country. That is why we also paid an additional Coronavirus Carer’s Allowance Supplement Payment in 2020 and 2021.”
He added: “The Scottish Government’s additional payments meant that eligible carers in Scotland received up to £694.20 more in support last year than carers in the rest of the UK.”
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:
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Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - daily living component
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Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - the middle or highest care rate
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Attendance Allowance
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Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
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Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
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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:
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helping with washing and cooking
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taking the person you care for to a doctor’s appointment
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helping with household tasks, like managing bills and shopping
Eligibility
Guidance on GOV.UK states that all of the following must apply:
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You are 16 or over
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You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
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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)
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You are not in full-time education
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You are not studying for 21 hours a week or more
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You are not subject to immigration control
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Your earnings are £128 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses
How much is Carer's Allowance?
Carer's Allowance is currently £67.60 per week, paid every four weeks - £270.40 every pay period.
Payments are rising on Monday, April 11 to £69.70 per week - £278.80 every four-week pay period.
How much is Carer's Allowance Supplement?
Carer’s Allowance Supplement is currently £8.90 per week and is rising to £9.45 from Monday, April 11.
This additional payment is only paid to unpaid carers living in Scotland.
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:
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National Insurance number (if you have a partner you’ll need theirs too)
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Bank or building society details
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Employment details and latest payslip if you’re working
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P45 if you’ve recently finished work
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Course details if you’re studying
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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:
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Date of birth and address
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National Insurance number if they are 16 or over
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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:
Find out more about claiming Carer’s Allowance on the Gov.uk website here.
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