How carer benefits in Scotland work

If you provide care for one or more people you might be able to get:

• Carer Support Payment
• Scottish Carer Supplement
• Carer Additional Person Payment

If eligible, Social Security Scotland will award you all 3 at the same time. You can also add any additional people you care for at a later date as a change of circumstance.

This award is only available in Scotland.

Follow the step-by-step guide to getting carer benefits.

The package of support available for carers in Scotland

Payment type	How much you can get	Effect on other benefits
Carer Support Payment Financial support if you care for someone who gets a qualifying benefit.	Up to £86.45 a week. You might get less than this if you get certain other benefits, such as State Pension.	The Department for Work and Pensions will reduce the amount you get for any income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit.
Scottish Carer Supplement An extra payment you'll automatically be paid on top of your Carer Support Payment. It has replaced Carer's Allowance Supplement.	£11.70 a week	No effect on other benefits.
Carer Additional Person Payment Extra money you can get for each additional person you care for who gets a qualifying benefit.	£10.40 a week	No effect on other benefits.

There are also other benefits you can get if you provide care.

How you're paid

You'll be paid every 4 weeks, at the end of the 4 weeks. There are some circumstances where you can be paid weekly.

You'll receive one payment, which will include:

• Carer Support Payment
• Scottish Carer Supplement
• any Carer Additional Person Payment

You can be paid into a UK bank account. This can be your own account or someone else’s. If you do not have a UK bank account, Social Security Scotland will contact you about payment options after you apply.