Understanding Carer Support Payment in Scotland

Carers are an essential part of society, providing care and support to individuals who are elderly, disabled, or otherwise in need of assistance. In recognition of their invaluable role, Scotland has financial aid to support these unpaid carers in the form of the Carer Support Payment.

Carer Support Payment is a vital financial benefit to people who spend a significant amount of time caring for someone with care needs. In this article, we will explore the details of the Carer Support Payment, including eligibility criteria, application processes, the payment structure, and the broader impact of this support on the lives of carers and those they care for.

If you are in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you need to apply for Carer’s Allowance, you can find the Purpl Guide to Carer’s Allowance here.

Purpl accepts no responsibility for the content of third-party websites and cannot guarantee that all these services mentioned may be able to help. Please note that situations and funding change from time to time. Purpl offer this information to be helpful and in good faith.

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In this Guide

• What is the Carer Support Payment?
• Who is Eligible for Carer Support Payment?
• How to Apply for Carer Support Payment
• How to Appeal a Carer Support Payment Decision
• Carer’s Credit
• Impact on Other Benefits
• Rights and Responsibilities of Carers
• Free Resources and Support Services for Carers in Scotland
• Challenges Faced by Carers
• Carers’ Breaks and Respite Care
• Conclusion

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What is the Carer Support Payment?

The Carer Support Payment is a financial benefit introduced by the Scottish Government, which aims to help unpaid carers who provide substantial care to someone with a disability, illness, or who is elderly. 

Carers often face financial hardship due to the time and resources spent caring for a loved one, and the Carer Support Payment is intended to ease some of this burden. It is one of several social care and welfare initiatives introduced by the Scottish Government to provide support for those in caregiving roles.

The Carer Support Payment is £81.90 a week or £327.60 every 4 weeks.

Carer Support Payment became available across Scotland from November 2024. This benefit replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland. You cannot get Carer Support Payment and Carer’s Allowance at the same time. 

If you get Carer’s Allowance and live in Scotland, you do not need to apply for Carer Support Payment. Your benefit will move to Carer Support Payment. This is happening between February 2024 and spring 2025. Learn more about moving from Carer’s Allowance to Carer Support Payment.

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Who is Eligible for Carer Support Payment?

To be eligible for the Carer Support Payment, applicants must meet a series of criteria that assess both their status as a carer and the needs of the person they are caring for. The following points summarize the key eligibility requirements:

1. Age and Residency:
   • Carers must be between the ages of 16 and the state pension age
     
   • Carers must be resident in Scotland and meet specific residency and immigration requirements

2. Care Provided:
   • You must provide at least 35 hours of care per week. Care can include helping with tasks such as washing, cooking, shopping, managing medication, and attending medical appointments.

3. Earnings Limit:
   • You must not earn more than £151 a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses.

4. Qualifying Benefits for the Person Being Cared For:
   • Adult Disability Payment – daily living component
     
   • Child Disability Payment – middle or highest care rate
     
   • Pension Age Disability Payment
     
   • Attendance Allowance
     
   • Personal Independence Payment – daily living component
     
   • Disability Living Allowance – middle or highest care rate
     
   • Constant Attendance Allowance at or above normal maximum rate with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
     
   • Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
     
   • Armed Forces Independence Payment

How to Apply for Carer Support Payment

Head to the Scottish gov website to apply for Carer Support Payment you can also check your eligibility here. 

The key steps include:

• Gather Necessary Information:
  • National Insurance number (this information is optional but can speed up your application)
  • bank or building society details

You also need details of the person you care for, including their:

• date of birth and address 
  
• National Insurance number if they’re 16 or over (this information is optional but can speed up your application)
  
• Child Reference Number if they’re under 16 (if you know it)

• Submit the Application:
  • Apply for Carer Support Payment in Scotland online here.
    
  • Apply on the phone – Call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222. Their opening times are 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.  
    
  • Apply in British Sign Language. If you’re a British Sign Language user, you can video call Social Security Scotland using the Contact Scotland BSL app.
    
  • Apply in other languages. You can call Social Security Scotland and ask for an interpreter in over 100 languages. They can connect you to an interpreter straight away, or you can book a call in advance.
    
  • Apply by post. If you want to fill in a paper form you can either call Social Security Scotland to get one posted to you or download and print the form. The address to send your application to is shown at the end of the form.
    
  • Apply in person. A client support adviser from Social Security Scotland can help you apply. They can meet you at your home, at a venue in your local community, over the phone or through a video call.

• Notification and Backdating:
  • You are usually notified of the decision within a few weeks.
    
  • Claims can be backdated by up to 13 weeks. You may be able to get it backdated to more than 13 weeks if you meet certain criteria.

Once the application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by the Scottish Government’s Social Security Directorate. The review process typically takes several weeks, depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of the individual cases. Carers will be notified of the decision once it has been made. If approved, the Carer Support Payment will be awarded, and payments will begin promptly.

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How to Appeal a Carer Support Payment Decision

If your Carer Support Payment application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process allows you to present additional evidence or clarify any misunderstandings that may have led to the refusal. The appeals system is designed to ensure fairness and transparency for all applicants.The contact details are on your decision letter.

The letter you get from Social Security Scotland will tell you what to do if you disagree with their decision. 

You can ask them to look at their decision again. This is called requesting a redetermination or appeal.

If you want to do this, you can ask for help from:

• Social Security Scotland
• a friend or family member
• a support organisation, like Citizens Advice Scotland
• your local carer centre

If you cannot get Carer Support Payment, you might be able to get other benefits and support. Learn about other support for carers here.

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Carer’s Credit

If you provide care for at least 20 hours a week but do not qualify for Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Credit is available. This National Insurance credit helps protect future entitlement to the State Pension by filling gaps in the National Insurance record.

Eligibility for Carer’s Credit requires providing care for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit. Unlike Carer’s Allowance, there is no earnings limit, and it does not affect other benefits.

You do not need to apply for Carer’s Credit if you:

• get Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment – you’ll automatically get credits
• get Child Benefit for a child under the age of 12 – you’ll automatically get credits
• are a foster carer – you can apply for National Insurance credits instead

Apply using the Carer’s Credit claim form. The form includes a Care Certificate – ask a health or social care professional to sign it for you.

Impact on Other Benefits

Claiming Carer Support Payment can affect the benefits of you and the person you care for. It is essential to understand these impacts before applying.

If you have a partner and live with them, Carer Support Payment may affect some of their benefits as well but their benefits or income do not affect your eligibility for Carer Support Payment or how much Carer Support Payment you can get. 

Social Security Scotland will let some other benefit providers know if you start getting Carer Support Payment, but you should still tell DWP about your Carer Support Payment. 

You should get more money overall because DWP may pay you a Universal Credit carer element. This is an extra amount on top of Universal Credit. Also, because you’re a carer you should not have to meet any of the work requirements for Universal Credit.

1. Means-Tested Benefits:
   • Carer’s Allowance counts as income and may reduce means-tested benefits like Universal Credit. However, it may also increase entitlement to the Carer Element within Universal Credit.
     
   • You’ll need to let your local council know if you get Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. Find your local council here..
     
   • If you or your partner get Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, you need to tell HMRC online at GOV.UK
     
   • If you get Universal Credit The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will reduce your Universal Credit by the same amount as you get from Carer Support Payment. This is because DWP counts Carer Support Payment as income when they work out how much Universal Credit to pay.
     
   • You can tell DWP about your Carer Support Payment award by calling 0800 328 5644 or logging on to your Universal Credit account at GOV.UK

2. State Pension:
   • Carer’s Allowance cannot be paid in addition to the full State Pension, but it can still provide underlying entitlement, which may increase means-tested benefits.

3. Effect on the person you care for:
   • The person receiving care may lose the severe disability premium or the extra amount for severe disability if someone claims Carer’s Allowance for them.

• Before you apply for Carer Support Payment, discuss your application with the person you care for, if possible. Explain how your application may affect their benefits. For example, their severe disability premium will stop automatically.
  
• You also need to tell them that they need to tell their local council about your Carer Support Payment award if they get Housing Benefit or a Council Tax Reduction. Find your local council here..

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Rights and Responsibilities of Carers

Carers have certain rights and responsibilities when receiving Carer Support Payment:

1. Reporting Changes:
   • You must report any change in circumstances, such as changes in employment, income, or the level of care provided.

2. Working While Claiming:
   • You can work while receiving the allowance, provided your earnings do not exceed the specified limit after deductions.

3. Breaks in Care:
   • Temporary breaks in care (e.g., due to illness or holidays) are allowed for up to 12 weeks in any 26-week period.

4. Carer’s Rights:
   • You have the right to get a plan from your local council that outlines your needs as a carer and the support you’ll get. The plan is called an Adult Carer Support Plan.

Free Resources and Support Services for Carers in Scotland

In addition to Carer Support Payment, a variety of free resources and services are available to support carers in Scotland:

1. Local Authority Support:
   • Local councils offer Carer Support Plan, which can identify needs and arrange additional support such as respite care, equipment, and home adaptations.
     
   • Scottish Government: Support for Unpaid Carers: Official government information detailing policies, benefits, and services available to support unpaid carers in Scotland.
     

2. Carers UK:
   • Carers UK is a national charity that provides comprehensive advice, information, and peer support networks. They also offer online forums and helplines for carers seeking guidance.
     
   • Carers Scotland is a national charity offering practical and emotional support, advocacy, and information to carers across Scotland.
     
   • Care Information Scotland: Support for Carers is a comprehensive resource providing information on local services, financial support, and advice for carers.
     

3. NHS Carer Support Services:
   • Some NHS trusts provide tailored services for carers, including counseling, training programs, and support groups.
     
   • NHS Inform: Support for Unpaid Carers provides information on support services, health advice, and resources tailored for unpaid carers in Scotland.
     

4. Respite Care:
   • Respite services, often arranged through local authorities, allow carers to take breaks from their duties while ensuring the person they care for is looked after.
     
   • Crossroads Caring Scotland offers respite care and practical support to carers, helping them take breaks from their caregiving responsibilities.
     

5. Carer Cafes and Support Groups:
   • Local communities often host carer cafes and support groups, offering opportunities for socialisation and mutual support.
     
   • Local Carer Centres: Many local authorities in Scotland have dedicated carer centres offering support, training, and social opportunities. Find your local centre.

6. Educational Resources:
   • Free training and educational programs are available, helping carers develop skills to provide effective care.

7. Financial Advice and Advocacy:
   • Organisations such as Citizens Advice Scotland offer free guidance on managing finances, accessing benefits, and understanding carers’ rights.

8. Online Resources:
   • Websites like mygov.scot/ and NHS.UK provide up-to-date information on carers’ rights, health advice, and benefit entitlements.

9. Self-Advocacy Support:
   • Self-advocacy is about speaking up for yourself. Carer’s UK have produced a guide to help you communicate your needs with professionals, understand your rights and look after your wellbeing.
     
10. Young Carers:
    • Young Carers Network supports young carers in Scotland, offering resources, support, and opportunities to connect with others.
      
      

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Challenges Faced by Carers

While the Carer Support Payment offers significant benefits, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main issues is the level of the payment itself. Although it provides essential financial assistance, the amount may not be enough to cover all the costs incurred by carers, particularly those with extensive caregiving responsibilities. Some carers may still struggle to make ends meet.

There is also a concern about awareness and access to the Carer Support Payment. Despite being a vital form of support, not all eligible carers may be aware of the program, or they may find the application process overwhelming. The Scottish Government must ensure that information about the payment is widely available and that carers have easy access to the necessary resources.

Despite the support Carer’s Allowance provides, many carers face significant challenges:

1. Financial Hardship:
   • The weekly amount of Carer’s Allowance is often insufficient to cover living costs, leading many carers into financial hardship.

2. Mental and Physical Health:
   • The demands of caregiving can lead to burnout, stress, and health issues among carers.

3. Lack of Recognition:
   • Many carers feel their contributions are undervalued, with limited access to support services.

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Carers’ Breaks and Respite Care

Respite care means taking a break from caring, while the person you care for is looked after by someone else. It helps you to take time to look after yourself, your own needs and helps you to stop feeling too overwhelmed, exhausted and burnt out.

The main types of respite care are:

• day care centres
  
• homecare from a paid carer
  
• a short stay in a care home
  
• getting friends and family to help
  
• respite holidays
  
• sitting services

Your local council or local carers’ centre can give you information about local support.

Your mental and emotional health is important. Remember on an airplane, you are told to put your own oxygen mask on first before helping someone else. This is because if you are too unwell to care for yourself, you cannot help anyone else.

Georgina’s Disability Tips

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Conclusion

The Carer Support Payment in Scotland is an essential step towards recognizing and supporting unpaid carers who provide crucial care for individuals with disabilities, illnesses, or age-related conditions. By offering financial assistance, the Scottish Government is acknowledging the significant role that carers play in society. Although the payment addresses some of the financial pressures faced by carers, there remains a need for continued evaluation to ensure that the payment meets the ever-changing needs of carers in Scotland.

Ultimately, supporting carers means supporting the broader healthcare system and society. By ensuring carers receive adequate financial, emotional, and practical support, Scotland can build a more compassionate and resilient community for all its citizens.

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About the Author

Georgina is the founder of Purpl Disabled Discounts, she understands the financial challenges that come with living with a disability as she has MS and ADHD. She is on a mission to help the disabled community save money through discounts on everyday products and services, as well as creating a place to support every person living with a disability in the UK. You can read her story about why she launched Purpl and her ultimate goal of launching a foundation to give grants to disabled people in the UK.

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