Carer Support Payment

If you look after a partner, relative or friend who has a disability or health condition, and they would find it difficult to manage without your support, you are an unpaid carer.

Many people don’t see themselves as carers, because they see the support they give as part of their relationship. However, if you are an unpaid carer, there may be support available to you, including financial help.

Carer Support Payment has replaced Carer’s Allowance in Scotland, and is paid by Social Security Scotland. To qualify for Carer Support Payment, you must:

• spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who has care or support needs. It doesn’t matter whether or not you live with them. The 35 hours can include time spent helping them practically, supporting them emotionally or being there to keep them safe
• care for someone who receives a qualifying benefit:
  - Attendance Allowance
  - Pension Age Disability Payment
  - Adult Disability Payment (care component)
  - Personal Independence Payment (care component)
  - Disability Living Allowance (high or middle rate care component)
  - Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (high or middle rate care component)
  - Armed Forces Independence Payment
  - Constant Attendance Allowance

• not be earning more than £196 a week take-home pay

The Carer Support Payment rules are complex. Claiming can affect the benefits you receive, and the benefits received by the person you care for. To check how making a claim will affect your entitlements, and whether you will be better off overall, call the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222 and ask for a benefit check.

Benefit Workshops

The benefits system is complicated. It can be difficult to work out what you are entitled to, and how to claim it. Find out more about joining one of our Benefit Workshops here.