Published 23 February 2024
£280 million paid to carers since launch of Carer’s Allowance Supplement
A benefit only available in Scotland has delivered over one million payments to unpaid carers, new figures show.
Almost £280 million has been paid to over 150,000 carers since Carer’s Allowance Supplement was introduced in September 2018.
The benefit, one of seven available only in Scotland, was created to recognise the vital role of unpaid carers.
Eligible carers get payments twice a year, normally in June and December. In the 2023-2024 financial year each payment was £270.50.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid automatically to people who are getting Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment on a on a particular date.
Carer Support Payment, paid by Social Security Scotland, was introduced in three local authority areas in November last year.
It is replacing Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions in Scotland and will be rolled out across the country in Autumn 2024.
To find out about eligibility for Carer’s Allowance Supplement visit mygov.scot/carers-allowance-supplement or call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.
Information on other support for carers is available at mygov.scot/help-if-youre-a-carer
