Thousands of carers in Scotland will receive a payment of £288 from the government through the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, which is an additional payment for those who claim Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance. This benefit is given twice a year to provide financial support to individuals caring for someone who is unwell or vulnerable. The first payment was made in June 2024, and the second payment is set to be made on December 6, 2024. Those expecting the payment should receive a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made, and if they haven’t received it by December 16, they should contact the government agency. To be eligible for this payment, individuals must be living in Scotland and have been claiming Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance since at least October 7.
For individuals who do not live in Scotland, there are other support measures available for those concerned about winter costs. Those with a weekly income below £218.15 for singles or £332.95 for couples should apply for Pension Credit. Over 800,000 eligible pensioners may not be claiming this support. The Household Support Fund, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, provides additional support through direct cash transfers, shopping vouchers, or other forms of assistance, distributed by local councils. The amount of support varies depending on the location, with some families receiving up to £500. To find out what one may be eligible for, individuals can visit their local council’s website.
Earlier this year, the Scottish Government completed the rollout of a new benefit, Carer Support Payment, which replaced Carer’s Allowance in the country. This new benefit was trialed a year ago and is now fully implemented. It is almost identical to Carer’s Allowance, but it includes eligibility for unpaid carers who are in full-time education, which is not the case with the benefit in the rest of the UK. Full-time students aged 20 or over and students under 20 in advanced or higher education in Scotland may be eligible for this new benefit. Residents of England and Wales will continue to receive Carer’s Allowance from the Department of Work and Pensions, which is worth £81.90 per week.
Individuals who may be missing out on benefits can use a benefits calculator to determine what they are entitled to. Various calculators are available, such as those from Turn2Us, Entitledto, MoneySavingExpert.com, and StepChange, which can help determine eligibility for benefits, tax credits, and Universal Credit. Policy in Practice also offers a calculator to determine benefits and monthly finances after housing costs. While the exact entitlement will be determined when a claim is made, these calculators can provide an indication of potential eligibility for benefits. It is essential to utilize these resources to ensure that individuals are not missing out on money they are entitled to.
