Social Security Scotland will be making payments of the new Carer’s Allowance Supplement to carers from mid-September, back-dated to April.
This new benefit will be paid twice a year. Eligible carers will get a supplementary payment of £221, equivalent to an extra £8.50 per week on Carer’s Allowance.
Carers will receive letters from Social Security Scotland from week beginning 10 September so that they know in advance to expect a payment.
Dr Clare Mills, Public Affairs Manager at Headway – the brain injury association, said: “It is good to see additional recognition of the efforts of carers who do so much to support their loved ones. Many of our service users tell us how much they depend on the care and support they receive from family members, who often have to miss out on work or other activities to carry out their caring role.
“If you receive Carer’s Allowance, look out for your letter during the week starting Monday 10 September.”
Research by Headway found that 60% of brain injury carers feel they do not receive adequate support in their caring duties, and only around a quarter (27%) of brain injury carers have received a carers assessment.
Dr Mills added: “Financial help is always useful, but carers have other needs. Local authorities have a responsibility to assess a carer's needs, and where appropriate, provide support services such as respite care, professional carers, equipment and information. A carer's assessment is the first step to obtaining that additional help.
“Headway will continue to raise the needs of carers with politicians across the UK.”
Do I qualify and how do I claim the supplement?
A statement from the Scottish Government said: “Carer’s Allowance Supplement will be paid to carers who were in receipt of Carer’s Allowance from the DWP on the qualifying date of Monday 16 April. The qualifying date is required by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to provide the details of those in receipt of Carer’s Allowance so that Social Security Scotland can make the payment.
“To ensure the safe and secure delivery of these payments, they will be phased, with the vast majority of payments being made in September, and a small number of more complex payments made into early October. This first payment is backdated to April 2018.
“Carers are not required to do anything to receive this payment as, if eligible, it will happen automatically and be paid using the same method that people get their Carer’s Allowance from the DWP.”
Explore our Caring for Carers campaign and get more information for carers using the links below:
Back