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 |
|---|---|
| East Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau | Local citizens advice bureau, providing information and advice |
| East Dunbartonshire Foodbank | The East Dunbartonshire Foodbank provides food to people in crisis |
| East Kilbride Citizens Advice Bureau | Aims: To provide information and advice to ensure that individuals understand their rights and responsibilities, and are not disadvantaged through lack of knowledge or because of difficulty expressing themselves. Services provided: Provide information,… |
| East Lothian Foodbank | Services provided: The East Lothian Foodbank provides food to people in need. Professionals from statutory and voluntary organisations such as doctors, health visitors, social workers, Citizens Advice Bureau staff, welfare officers, the police and prob… |
| Easterhouse Citizens Advice Bureau | Provide free independent information and advice to members of the public. |
| Ecas Ltd | Financial help, activities and befriending to people living in Edinburgh and the Lothians |
| Edinburgh Gorgie Debt Advice Service | Services provided: This is a free, confidential and impartial service provided by trained debt advisors. We work with our clients and their Creditors to agree a manageable and realistic debt management plan. We can offer advice on formal debt solutions… |
| Edinburgh Macmillan Welfare Rights Partnership | Services provided: Free and confidential benefits advice service for people living with or affected by cancer. The service is also open to the families and carer’s of those affected by cancer. The Advice Shop, 249 High Street, Edinburgh, Tel: 0131 200… |
| Elizabeth Finn Care | One-off grants are available towards needs such as car expenses, household items, house repairs and adaptations, and specialist equipment |
| Energy Saving Trust (Scotland) | Improve efficient use of all forms of energy in Scotland |
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