Scottish Government set to give carers extra payment

The Scottish Government has announced plans to give 83,000 eligible carers an extra payment of £230 next month, in recognition of the additional pressure they are under.

Scottish ministers are proposing an additional £19.2 million investment in Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

If approved by parliament, around 83,000 eligible carers will get an extra £230.10 through a special one-off Coronavirus Carer’s Allowance Supplement in June.

As with the current supplement, they will not need to do anything to get this extra payment as it will be paid automatically to people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.

Last month, survey by Carers UK found more than half (55%) of unpaid carers feel overwhelmed managing their caring responsibilities during the outbreak and are worried about burning out in the coming weeks.

‘We introduced the Carer’s Allowance Supplement to recognise the important contribution unpaid carers play in our society,’ said Scottish cabinet secretary for social security and Older people, Shirley-Anne Somerville

‘They provide vital support to family, friends and neighbours. Our collective efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus will see many of these carers experiencing additional pressures, particularly financial, right now.

‘The payment will benefit carers who are on low incomes and already have some of the most intense caring roles, providing at least 35 hours unpaid care weekly to a disabled child or adult in receipt of higher level disability benefits.

‘This additional payment would be an acknowledgement to carers that we know that they are doing even more right now, and we thank you.’

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