Social Security Scotland recently paid around 90,000 unpaid carers across the country an extra payment of £245.70 on top of their regular Carer’s Allowance benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
People who were getting Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying date - April 11, 2022 - should have received the Carer’s Allowance Supplement on Friday, June 10, however, Social Security Scotland said some payments may take slightly longer, but if you have still not received a letter or payment by June 17, contact them on 0800 182 2222.
The Welsh Government has also announced that more than 57,000 unpaid carers in Wales will receive a £500 payment in recognition of the ’pivotal role’ they have played during the pandemic.
The payment is part of a £29m investment in unpaid carers from the Welsh Government and recognises the financial and emotional hardship many have experienced.
Unpaid carers who are receiving Carer’s Allowance on March 31st this year or who are awarded Carer’s Allowance at a later date which is backdated to March 31, 2022 will be eligible for the payment.
However, eligible claimants must register for the one-off payment.
Registrations are open now and will close on July 15, 2022 with payments due to be processed by September 30, 2022.
People in Wales who have an underlying entitlement to Carer’s Allowance but who are not receiving it are not eligible for the payment.
More information about the scheme including information on how to register for the payment is available on www.gov.wales.
December additional payment date for Scots unpaid carers
Unpaid carers in Scotland will receive another Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment of £245.70 in December.
To qualify, people will need to have been claiming Carer’s Allowance by October 11, 2022 - 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 weekly Carer’s Allowance payments of £69.70 if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria.
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 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)
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:
Find out more about claiming Carer’s Allowance on the Gov.uk website here.
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