The Scottish Government is working towards delivering a new benefit that will start to replace Carer’s Allowance by the end of this year, with a full national rollout planned for Spring 2024, according to a new progress report on the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018.
Scottish Carer's Assistance promises to provide an ‘improved service’, designed with carers to meet their needs, and in line with Scottish Government principles of fairness, dignity and respect. The new benefit will maintain the extra support provided by Carer's Allowance Supplement - two additional payments of £245.70 which were made in June and December this year - to increase Carer's Allowance (£69.70 per week) by over 13 per cent, and will help to link carers to wider support and services.
The Scottish Government is keen to speak to people with experience of caring to help them make sure the service meets the needs of the people who will use it.
Social Security Scotland will deliver the devolved payment and said that its team has already spoken with over 160 carers about their experiences.
There are thousands of unpaid carers in Scotland and by completing a five-minute online survey, it could help ensure that Scottish Carer's Assistance is a benefit that works for everyone who is caring for someone.
The form can be found on MyGov.Scot here and consists of a few questions. You also have the option to take part in a research session, but this is entirely optional.
Guidance on the survey also states that the form is completely confidential and adds: “No one will be able to identify you in any of the reported results. Only people working in the research team will be able to see your name and contact details.
“Taking part will not affect any of your applications or benefits. No one involved in making benefit decisions will have access to your answers or know if you’ve taken part.”
To keep up to date with the latest cost of living news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
READ NEXT
Check how much of the £1,350 cost of living payments you are due this year
- Specific group of people who will not receive new £301 cost of living payment due this Spring
New interactive map helps people find free warm spaces in their area just by entering postcode
DWP rule change this month for couples working 24 hours or more each week between them
New cost of living payment warning to people due money over next few months
