Student carers across Renfrewshire urged not to miss out on vital financial support

As thousands of students begin their college or university studies, those with caring roles are being urged to check they’re getting all the financial help they’re entitled to. 

Around 30,000 unpaid carers are currently studying at Scottish colleges and universities, according to Carers Trust Scotland. These students face unique challenges, providing emotional, mental or physical support to family members, friends or neighbours whilst juggling lectures, coursework and student life. 

However, support is available. Social Security Scotland delivers three payments that could make a real difference to student carers.

Carer Support Payment provides £83.30 per week and is available to many students in education, including those studying full-time.  

Carer’s Allowance Supplement provides additional support in Scotland for those who receive Carer Support Payment. 

Young Carer Grant offers an annual payment of £390.25 to carers aged 16-18. 

Eligibility depends on factors including the number of hours spent caring, the type of course being studied, and whether the person being cared for receives a disability benefit. 

Research shows that student carers are four times more likely to drop out of their studies than other students. Financial difficulties are cited as being a major contributing factor alongside time constraints. That’s where payments for carers can help ease some of the pressures faced. 

Louise Reid, Student Support Advisor at University of the West of Scotland said: “Student carers can find it challenging to balance their caring responsibilities alongside studies. This is made much more difficult by the economic challenges being a carer brings. Whether it’s extra travel costs or not being able to balance a part time job on top of everything else, the issue of money can be what ultimately derails a person’s studies. Whilst institutions provide additional support for student carers, often this on its own cannot completely alleviate the financial burden. Having access to Carer Support Payment can provide student carers with vital financial support to make staying on track much easier. This removes what for some can be an insurmountable barrier to fully accessing education.”

To find out more on the financial support available as well as wider support for student carers visit mygov.scot/carers