More than 81,000 people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance received an additional payment of £245.70 in December 2022 as part of a unique benefit only available in Scotland. Carer’s Allowance Supplement is a devolved payment delivered twice each year by the Scottish Government to eligible claimants, and the first lump sum of 2023 is due next week.
Social Security Scotland delivers the payment on behalf of the Scottish Government and recently confirmed that payments will be made on Friday, June 9. Following the annual benefits uprating of 10.1 per cent in April, the payment due next week - and the next, due in December - will be worth £270.50 this year.
Payments will be made automatically to those who were in receipt of Carer’s Allowance on April 10, 2023, however, Social Security Scotland has said that some payments may take slightly longer. If you think you are eligible and do not receive a letter or payment by June 16, call them free on on 0800 182 2222.
While it is too late to qualify for the June payment, people making a new claim for Carer’s Allowance to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by October 9, 2023, will be eligible for the December payment.
For anyone considering making a new claim for Carer’s Allowance, the latest statistics for processing times by DWP showed that by the end of October 2022 it was taking 37 working days (just over seven weeks) to process an application from initial submission to award decision letter.
However, processing times fluctuate throughout the year and it could take less or more time to get a decision. Payments can be backdated by up to three months.
Check below to make sure you’re not missing out on additional support if you provide care for a friend or family member for at least 35 hours each week.
Am I eligible for Carer’s Allowance?
You may be eligible for weekly Carer’s Allowance payments of £76.75 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 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 £139 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 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, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
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