Scottish Government unveils additional support for unpaid carers

The Government has announced additional support for unpaid carers, with Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville saying it is “paramount” to recognise the important role they play.

From Monday, carers who look after more than one person for at least 20 hours a week will be able to claim the new Carer Additional Person Payment, worth over £500 a year for each additional cared-for person.

The new payment is part of a package of measures to improve carer support, with Social Security Scotland saying carers in Scotland are now better off than anywhere else in the UK.

Other improvements include extending the Carer Support Payment (CSP) following the death of the cared-for person from 8 to 12 weeks, and replacing Carer’s Allowance Supplement with Scottish Carer Supplement.

This will be paid alongside CSP rather than in two annual payments as it is currently – meaning carers receive extra support more consistently and regularly.

Ms Somerville said: “Making sure unpaid carers are recognised for their important role has been paramount for me in my time as Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, so I’m incredibly proud that the latest improvements to support are now in place.

“Unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities, providing vital care and support for those closest to them.

“Carer Additional Person Payment will go further in recognising the impact caring for multiple people can have on a carer and this will make a difference to thousands of families.

“Social security is a human right and something that anyone may need at any point in their life.

“I would encourage any carers who might be eligible to get in touch with Social Security Scotland to find out more about the support available to them.”

The measures are the latest in a series of improvements to support for carers in Scotland, including the extension of the Young Carer Grant to 19-year-olds, and the extension of the CSP to more people in education.

The announcement was welcomed by Dawn Williamson, who cares for her 12-year-old daughter, who has autism, as well as her elderly parents and uncle.

Ms Williamson, who is from Penicuik, Midlothian, said: “It’s amazing that there is this acknowledgement for people who do look after more than one disabled person.

“It’s improving things for every carer out there who manages care for multiple people.

“When it comes to applying for support, I always say, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. It makes a real difference.

“Getting Carer Support Payment – it felt like I was getting recognition for the job that I had to do, looking after my daughter.

“If it wasn’t there, I don’t know how we would have got by.”

Social Security Scotland confirmed the switch from the Carer’s Allowance Supplement to the Scottish Carer Supplement will happen automatically for current recipients.

Carers who already get CSP will receive a letter soon telling them about improvements to support, and details of how to request the Carer Additional Person Payment.