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Extra support if you get a disability payment

Support for carers

Last updated
20 Nov 2023

Your carer could apply for extra benefits if you get:

Carer Support Payment

If you get any of these benefits, your carer can apply for Carer Support Payment:

  • Adult Disability Payment (standard or enhanced daily living rate)
  • Child Disability Payment (middle or highest care rate)
  • Pension Age Disability Payment (any rate)
  • Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest care rate)

Carer Support Payment has replaced Carer's Allowance in Scotland.

Visit the guide to Carer Support Payment to learn more about it, including:

Effects on your benefits

If your carer gets Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance, it can affect other benefits that you get. For more information before applying, speak to a Social Security Scotland adviser.

Carer's Allowance Supplement

If your carer gets Carer Support Payment or Carer's Allowance, they should also get a Carer’s Allowance Supplement. They do not need to apply for this. If they qualify, they’ll automatically get 2 payments a year.

Carer's Credit

If your carer looks after you for at least 20 hours a week, they can get Carer’s Credit. Your carer can apply for this if they do not qualify for Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment.

This credit could help fill gaps in your carer’s National Insurance record. State Pensions are based on this record. Learn more about Carer’s Credit.

Young carers

Your carer can apply for Young Carer Grant if they:

  • are aged 16, 17 or 18
  • look after you for an average of 16 hours a week

Other support for carers

Someone who cares for you may be able to get:

  • benefits
  • wellbeing support
  • help to take breaks from caring for you

There's more information in the guide 'Help if you're a carer'.

Carers also have the right to a support plan or statement. These identify carers’ needs and what support may be available to meet them. There are 2 types:

  • younger carers get a Young Carer Statement
  • carers who are 18 or over and not in school get an Adult Carer Support Plan

Your carer should contact their local council or carer centre to get their plan.

For advice and information, and to find a local carer centre, your carer should contact Care Information Scotland.

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