What are Carer's Allowance and Carer Support Payment?
Carer’s Allowance is benefit paid to people who spend at least 35 hours per week caring for a person who receives a relevant disability benefit. You can only make one claim for Carer’s Allowance, regardless of how many people you care for.
A similar benefit called Carer Support Payment is being introduced in Scotland to replace Carer’s Allowance. It is being introduced in some areas of Scotland earlier than others. If it isn’t yet introduced in your area, then you can apply for Carer’s Allowance instead.
To find out if Carer Support Payment has been introduced in your area, you can use Social Security Scotland’s postcode checker here: postcodecheck.socialsecurity.gov.scot
From 4th November 2024 no-one in Scotland will be able to make a new claim for Carer’s Allowance, they will claim Carer Support payment instead.
If you already receive Carer’s Allowance in Scotland you will be moved on to Carer Support Payment by spring 2025. See Carer’s Allowance changes in Scotland – mygov.scot
To be able to claim, the person you are caring for must be in receipt of one of the following benefits:-
- the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment
- the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment
- either the highest or the middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance
- Child Disability Payment middle or highest rate care
- Attendance Allowance
- A high rate of Constant Attendance Allowance paid with the Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
You must:
- be caring for at least 35 hours per week for the person who is receiving a qualifying benefit
- be aged 16 or over
- for Carer’s Allowance, not in full-time education – though you can be in full-time education and receive Carer Support Payment
- not earning more than £151.00 a week (2024/2025) after expenses
- have been resident in Great Britain for a certain period of time
- not be subject to immigration control.
How to claim
You can claim Carer’s Allowance online
You can find out how to claim Carer Support payment here Carer Support Payment – mygov.scot
How much might I get?
The rate of Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment is £81.90 in 2024/2025.
Most people in Scotland who receive Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment are also entitled to 6 monthly payments of Carer’s Allowance Supplement of £288.60 (2024/2025).
If you receive Universal Credit, claiming Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment can affect the amount of Universal credit you are entitled to.
Other Benefits
By claiming Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment you may be entitled to additional amounts in claims for means-tested benefits. Claiming Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment can also reduce the benefits of the person you care for , so always have a benefit check each before you make a claim.
You can check your benefit entitlements on the Turn2us website here Turn2us Benefits Calculator
Information last updated on 1 August 2024. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.
Money, Benefits and Grants:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
Can I get a reduction of Vehicle Excise Duty?
If you are disabled you may be entitled to a reduction or exemption of vehicle tax. The vehicle must be registered in your name or a specific driver’s name and must only be used for your personal needs.
You can apply for exemption if you get the:
- higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
- War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
You can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax if you get the Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment standard rate mobility component Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
You can find out more here Vehicles exempt from vehicle tax – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What help is there with energy costs?
Energy costs used to be a worry in winter but now bills can be a challenge all year round.
The good news is there are different grants and schemes available to help people improve the heating in their homes and keep heating costs down.
Home Energy Scotland is a free energy advice service funded by the Scottish Government to help people save money and keep their homes warmer. They offer simple energy saving tips, and know about funding schemes and how to access them.
Their website Home Energy Scotland offers help with finding funding, reducing your bills, making your home warmer and living a greener life. You can call them on 0808 808 2282
Money, Benefits and Grants:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
| Organisation | Description |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen Action on Disability Ltd | Promote the integration of all disabled people into the community |
| Aberdeen Citizens Advice Bureau | Provide information to people living in the local area |
| Aberdeenshire South Foodbank | Services provided: The area covered by the ASFB extends from the edge of Aberdeen City west to Braemar and from Strathdon to Portlethen, Stonehaven and Inverbervie. To obtain a food parcel from the Foodbank you must have been referred to them by a fron… |
| Aberdeenshire Support and Advice Team (ASAT) | Provide welfare rights advice |
| About purchasing zero-rated adapted vehicles | Guidance on what you need to know about purchasing adapted vehicles free of VAT if you are disabled |
| ACCESS Angus | ACCESS Angus is the way for Angus citizens to access council services |
| Access to Elected Office Fund | Providing financial support for disabled people standing in Local Authority and Scottish Parliament elections to address impairment-related barriers and disadvantages. |
| Action for Kids Charitable Trust | Provides children & young people with equipment which enables them to have independent movement |
| Action Group | Offer a range of services to people with learning difficulties |
| Adamson Trust | Provide financial assistance for holidays for young disabled people |
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