Unpaid carers encouraged to access social security support
Carers across Renfrewshire are being urged to find out more about the financial support available to them this Carers Week (8 to 14 June).
The annual campaign highlights the challenges that unpaid carers can face and encourages people who might not see themselves as carers to access support, whether that’s emotional, social or financial.
Following a number of improvements earlier this year, Social Security Scotland now delivers four different payments for carers.
Scottish Carer Supplement, Young Carer Grant and the new Carer Additional Person Payment provide extra money only available in Scotland.
As of March this year, 4,300 carers in Renfrewshire were receiving Carer Support Payment – and more could be entitled to help.
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said:
“Carers Week is a great opportunity to recognise the importance of unpaid carers in our communities.
“Our recently improved package of support, which is unique to Scotland, recognises the vital role that carers play in our society. As a result, Scotland’s carers receive greater support than carers anywhere else in the UK.
“I would urge anyone who cares for someone to find out more about the support available from Social Security Scotland and in their local area.”
Background
Carer Support Payment is a payment of £86.45 per week. It has replaced Carer’s Allowance for most carers in Scotland.
The payment is available to people providing care for 35 hours or more a week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit. The carer must earn no more than £204 per week after tax, National Insurance and expenses.
Carer Support Payment is also available to some carers in education.
Scottish Carer Supplement is an extra payment for eligible unpaid carers who get paid Carer Support Payment. The payment, worth £11.70 per week, is only available in Scotland and gets paid automatically alongside Carer Support Payment without the need to apply separately.
Carer Additional Person Payment is a new payment for people who are getting Carer Support Payment and care for more than one person. Introduced in March this year, it is paid at a rate of £10.40 per week.
Young Carer Grant is available for carers aged 16 to 19 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit. It is a yearly payment of £405.10
Find out more about social security support for carers at mygov.scot/carers
View the latest statistics for Carer Support Payment: Carer Support Payment statistics to 31 March 2026 - Social Security Scotland and Young Carer Grant: Young Carer Grant statistics to 31 March 2026 - Social Security Scotland
Information on other support for carers, such as financial support, wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found at Help if you're a carer - mygov.scot