voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
-
Social Security Scotland: Financial Help Available for Unpaid Carers
Created: 04/06/2026
News/Events Category: Carer Support
Unpaid carers make a vital contribution to society but their caring role can be challenging and impact on their own daily lives. They may have to juggle caring with work, study or other family commitments.
Research has also shown that many people don’t recognise themselves as carers and are therefore missing out on help available. An unpaid carer is anyone who supports friends, family or a neighbour because of illness, disability, mental health problems, or addiction.
There's a range of financial help available from Social Security Scotland.
Carer Support Payment
This has replaced Carer's Allowance in Scotland and is paid at the same rate (£86.45 per week). The payment is available to people providing care for 35 hours or more per week to someone who receives disability benefits.
They need to earn less than £204 per week after tax, National Insurance, and expenses.
Carer Additional Person Payment
This is available for carers who look after more than one person for at least 20 hours a week. It is paid alongside Carer Support Payment and is worth over £500 a year for each additional cared-for person.
Young Carer Grant
This is available for carers aged 16, 17,18 or 19 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving disability benefits. It is a yearly payment of £405.10 and the money can be spent on whatever the young person wants.
Scottish Carer Supplement
The supplement is an extra payment for eligible unpaid carers who get paid Carer Support Payment. The payment is unique to Scotland and gets paid automatically without the need to apply.
How to get financial assistance
If you know an unpaid carer, please help spread the word about the range of financial help they may be entitled to. Find out more and how to apply at mygov.scot/benefits or by calling 0800 182 2222
For information about other support available for unpaid carers, visit mygov.scot/help-if-youre-a-carer or call the Money Talk Team free on 0800 028 1456.
What now?
See other news/events in the Carer Support category
Go to the main News page
Tell us about your own news
News/Events Categories:
Carer Support (15 items)Children and Families (58 items)
Climate/Environment (13 items)
Community Events (20 items)
Consultations (2 items)
Employability (31 items)
Funding and Finance (39 items)
FVA News (10 items)
General News (20 items)
Goods, Donations and Services (1 item)
Governance (45 items)
Health and Social Care (90 items)
Job Vacancies (8 items)
Partnerships, Networks and Forums (30 items)
Technology (5 items)
Training and Learning (110 items)
Volunteering (90 items)
Go to the main News page
