19/08/2024

Unpaid carers across Ayrshire are being urged to apply for a new benefit which is now available to more people.

National advice agency Advice Direct Scotland is encouraging people to prepare for the switch to the Carer Support Payment, which is gradually replacing Carer’s Allowance as part of a staged nationwide rollout.

From Monday, August 19, residents in North, East and South Ayrshire can apply. The benefit is worth £81.90 per week, or £327.60 every four weeks, for those providing 35 hours of care to a family member, friend, or neighbour.

Recent rule changes have also extended eligibility to include more student carers. Since June, the benefit has been available to carers aged 16 to 19 in full-time ‘advanced’ education, those over 20 in full-time education at any level, and carers in part-time education. Additionally, some 16 to 19-year-old carers in full-time ‘non-advanced’ education, such as school, are now eligible.

Carers, particularly full-time students, may also be able to receive backdated payments from when the Carer Support Payment was first introduced.

People who are currently receiving Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be gradually transferred onto the Social Security Scotland scheme and will not be affected by the rollout. The DWP will continue to issue Carer’s Allowance until the transition is complete, with no interruption in payments. You will be notified in writing when you are being transferred.

The full transition from the DWP to Social Security Scotland is expected to be completed by spring 2025.

Carers can check their eligibility and apply for the Carer Support Payment by clicking here

For those who are worried or unsure about the process, advice.scot benefits advisers are available to offer support and ensure that claimants receive all the financial help they are entitled to. The team can be reached at 0808 800 9060, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, or through their website.

Click to Return to News