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Start getting carer benefits: step by step

Last updated
16 Mar 2026

Check the steps to follow to:

  • start getting carer benefits
  • manage your carer benefits once you're getting them
  1. 1

    See which carer benefits you can get

    If you live in Scotland and provide care for one or more people you might be able to get:

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

    Learn more about carer benefits in Scotland

  2. 2

    Find out who can apply

    To get carer benefits in Scotland, you must:

    • be 16 or over
    • usually live in Scotland
    • provide unpaid care
    • earn less than the earnings limit for Carer Support Payment

    Find out who can apply for carer benefits

  3. 3

    Check what extra payments you can get

    If you get Carer Support Payment, you can get an extra amount from other income-related benefits. For example, Universal Credit.

    Carer Support Payment may also help you get:

    • National Insurance credits
    • Tax Free Childcare

    Learn more about extra payments you can get 

  4. 4

    See which benefits reduce Carer Support Payment

    If you get certain benefits, Social Security Scotland will reduce the amount of Carer Support Payment you get. For example:

    • State Pension
    • Maternity Allowance
    • New Style Employment and Support Allowance
    • New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance
    • Incapacity Benefit

    Learn more about benefits that reduce your Carer Support Payment 

  5. 5

    See how Universal Credit is affected

    Carer Support Payment is counted as income for Universal Credit. You may get less Universal Credit if you’re awarded Carer Support Payment.

    It's likely the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will overpay your Universal Credit until they reduce it. You'll need to pay this back to DWP.

    Learn more about Carer Support Payment and Universal Credit 

  6. 6

    Learn how State Pension can affect Carer Support Payment

    If you get State Pension and you're awarded Carer Support Payment, it's likely you'll get £0 from Carer Support Payment. This is known as having underlying entitlement.

    This still helps you get more from other benefits.

    Learn more about Carer Support Payment if you get State Pension 

  7. 7

    Find out who you should tell

    Carer Support Payment may affect:

    • your other benefits
    • the benefits of the person you provide care for
    • the benefits of your partner, if you live with them

    Before you apply, you should speak to:

    • the person you provide care for
    • your partner, if you live with them

    Learn more about who you should tell 

  8. 8

    Apply for carer benefits

    You can apply for carer benefits:

    • using the online form
    • on the phone
    • in person
    • by post

    Learn how to apply for Carer Support Payment 

  9. 9

    Add a person

    You might be able to get Carer Additional Person Payment if:

    • you start caring for an additional person for 20 hours or more a week
    • an additional person you care for has been awarded a qualifying benefit

    Tell Social Security Scotland about additional people you care for.

  10. 10

    Report a change of circumstances

    You need to tell Social Security Scotland about any changes that might affect your Carer Support Payment or Carer Additional Person Payment.

    Learn more about reporting changes 

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