The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in May there were 936,766 people receiving weekly payments of £69.70 for Carer’s Allowance, including 81,682 living in Scotland. However, new research from the Carers Trust suggests that some unpaid carers are relying on loans and credit cards to help them pay bills during the cost of living crisis.
As a result of its findings, the charity is urging the UK Government to provide additional cost of living support to unpaid carers now, and to develop a long-term funding strategy for social care. It said that Carer’s Allowance is not an adequate income replacement and recipients are more likely to struggle to make ends meet or use food banks compared to people who do not receive the benefit.
While Carer’s Allowance will rise in line with inflation next April, increasing from £69.70 per week to £76.75, claimants will still not be eligible for the new £900 cost of living payment announced in the Autumn Statement earlier this month.
