Thousands of unpaid carers across Scotland received an extra payment of £245.70 on Friday, December 9. Carer’s Allowance Supplement is a devolved benefit paid twice a year to those in receipt of Carer’s Allowance on certain qualifying dates.
People who were claiming Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on October 10, 2022 should have received the extra money by now, however, Social Security Scotland who delivers the devolved payment on behalf of the Scottish Government in recognition of the important contribution made by unpaid carers throughout the year, is urging people to check if they received the money and to contact them on 0800 182 2222 if they have not.
Carers Allowance claimants in Scotland do not need to apply for the supplement as it is made automatically - if you were eligible for the December payment, you should have received a letter telling you so.
In April, some 81,680 unpaid carers across Scotland received the supplement payment and the next one, worth £245.70, will be made in June 2023.
To receive the payment next year, people will need to have been claiming Carer’s Allowance by April 10, 2023 - Social Security Scotland automatically adds the Carer’s Allowance Supplement element to your claim made to the DwP.
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 £132 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.
To keep up to date with the latest benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out four times each week - sign up here.
READ NEXT
Successful claim for new £25 weekly child payment could automatically award two more benefits
- 15 ways to increase your monthly income before end of the year
New cost of living payments worth up to £1,350 announced for millions of people next year
New website helps Scottish households check for extra financial support
