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 . If you want to make a new claim as a carer and you live in Dundee City, Perth and Kinross or Western Isles you will now claim Carer Support Payment. New claims will be rolled out to the rest of Scotland later.
If you already receive Carer’s Allowance in Scotland you will be moved on to Carer Support Payment between February 2024 and 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 qualifying 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
In addition, 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 £139 a week (2023/2024) or £151.00 (2024/2025)
- 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 £76.75 a week in 2023/2024 and £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 £270.50 (2023/2024) orn£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 on means-tested benefits. This can sometimes reduce the benefits of the person you care for , so always have a benefit check each before you claim Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment.
Information last updated on 5 March 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 & 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 on vehicle tax if you meet the government criteria. The vehicle must be registered in your name or a named 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 standard rate mobility component or Adult Disability Payment standard rate mobility component Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
Am I entitled to benefits?
A benefits check is a calculation that will give you an idea of what you might be entitled to. You can get a check at your local welfare rights project, local Council Money Advice , Citizens Advice Bureau. or a charity like Age Scotland. Age Scotland has a guide to what to expect M 15 ben check 2023.indd (ageuk.org.uk) and an online benefit calculator.
You can also use the Turn2us benefit calculator online.
To find your local welfare rights service search our Scottish Disability Directory. or contact our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
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. Check out our Help to heat your home guide for more information.
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, know about funding schemes and can arrange benefits checks to help people access help.
You can call Home Energy Scotland’s free helpline on 0808 808 2282 to check what support you might be entitled to, text WARM to 60163 for a call back or email advice@se.homeenergyscotland.org.
Am I eligible for VAT relief on disability equipment?
In general, disabled people do not have to pay VAT on goods and services that are designed or adapted solely for use by disabled people. These goods and services are often called zero-rated or eligible for VAT relief.
Most suppliers will know if their product has been specifically designed to help disabled people. They will offer their products free of VAT as you buy them.
You’ll need to confirm in writing that you meet the conditions for zero rating. Your supplier may give you a form for this.
Most suppliers will use the Notice 701/7 VAT relief for disabled people form.
For further information see our VAT Exemption for Disabled Goods Information Guide or call our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
Money, Benefits & 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.