Over 800 thousand pounds paid to Renfrewshire carers in June

Over 2,800 carers received over £800,000 through a Scotland-only benefit in June, new statistics show. 

Carers Allowance Supplement is paid twice a year to people who are receiving Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions or Carer Support Payment from Social Security Scotland on key eligibility dates. 

In the last round of payments, over £800,000 was paid to eligible carers in Renfrewshire. 

The extra payment was introduced to recognise the contribution of unpaid carers. In the financial year 2024/2025, each Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment is £288.60.

Since launching in 2018, over 35,000 payments have been paid to over 5,000 carers in North Ayrshire, totalling almost £10 million. 

Carers do not need to apply for Carer’s Allowance Supplement as it is paid automatically. People will get two payments a year if they qualify.  

Social Security Scotland writes to eligible carers in advance so they know when to expect a payment. 

Patrick who cares for his 10-year-old autistic son, received Carer’s Allowance Supplement in June. 

He said: “My son needs a lot of care and support. I love being able to look after him but it can be tough.

“Carer’s Allowance Supplement has been a godsend. I used my first payment to help pay for a new washing machine. 

“This year I used it to buy new clothes and to pay for a few activities me and my son wouldn’t normally be able to afford.” 

The next eligibility date for Carer’s Allowance Supplement this year is 7 October and payments will be made after this date. 

To find out about eligibility for Carer’s Allowance Supplement, people can visit mygov.scot/carers-allowance-supplement.  People can also call us free on 0800 182 2222. 

Information on other support for carers is available at mygov.scot/help-if-youre-a-carer